
The ADVENTURE Of 
The LADY URSULA 



The ADVENTURE 

of 
The LADY URSULA 



A Comedv in Four Acts 
BY 

Anthony Hope 



9R 



New York : R. H. Russell 

MDCCCXCVIII 







HIS play is fully protected by the 
copyright law, all requirements of 
which have been complied with. In 
its present printed form it is dedicated to the 
reading public only, and no performances of it 
may be given, except by special arrangement 
with the owner of the acting rights, who may be 
addressed in care of the publisher. 

Copyright, 1898 
By ROBERT HOWARD RUSSELL 

Printed in the United States 



vj&' 




NO TE 

HE play is here given as it left the 
author's hands. It is presented on 
the stage without important or sub- 
stantial alterations but with a few changes of 
detaily due to the taste and experience of those 
under whose auspices Lady Ursula made her 
appearance on the boards, and to whom the 
author takes this opportunity of rendering bis 

cordial and grateful thanks. 

A. H. 



A COMEDY IN FOUR ACTS 



Characters 



The EARL OF HASSENDEN 

SIR GEORGE SYLVESTER 

The Rev. Mr. BLIMBOE 

Mr. DENT 

Mr. CASTLETON 

SIR ROBERT CLIFFORD 

Mr. WARD 

Mr. DEVEREUX 

QUILTON 

MILLS 

SERVANT 



Officers in the Foot Guards 



Servant to Lord Hassenden 
Servant to Sir George Sylvester 
At Lord Hassen den's town lodging 



Miss DOROTHY FENTON Betrothed to Lord Hassenden 
Mrs. FENTON Her Aunt 

The LADY URSULA BARRINGTON 

Lord Hassenden's Sister 

The period of this play is about 1760-70. The action takes 
place between four 0' 'clock in the afternoon of a day in October 
and one o' clock the next morning. 

ACT I. passes at Lord Hassenden's house at Edgzvare near 
London. 

ACT II. at Sir George Sylvester's house in the same village. 
ACT III. at Lord Hassenden's town lodging, near St. James\ 
ACT IV. again at Sir George Sylvester's. 




flvl 




The ADVENTURE of 
The LADY URSULA 



A C T I 

'The Earl of Hassenden's house at Edgware near 
London — between four and five on an Autumn 
afternoon. A window back C.,& door L., afire- 
place R. Room is panelled ; in the panel L.> 
below door, is a full-length mirror. Dorothy 
stands by window, Mrs. Fenton sits by fire- 
place, Blimboe stands L. C. 

Mrs. Fenton. 

F your leisure is exhausted, sir, I must not beg 
you to stay ; but I regret that on your first visit 
as rector of the parish you have not found Lady 
Ursula at home. 

Blimboe. 

I share your regret to the full, ma'am. 

Mrs. Fenton. 

Dorothy, shouldn't Ursula be back from her walk soon ? 




2 The ADVENTURE of 

Dorothy. 

I — I don't know when she'll be back, Aunt. 

Blimboe. 

I fear I must take my leave. Sir George Sylvester expects me. 

As you may have heard, I am his guest until my parsonage is 

ready. 

Dorothy. 

\_Coming down C] Sir George is an old friend of yours, 

isn't he ? 

Blimboe. 

Yes, and a good friend. He gave me the living, Miss Fenton. 

Dorothy. 

He doesn't visit here. We have never seen him, though Lord 
Hassenden used to meet him in town formerly. 

Blimboe. 

You must pardon his rudeness. You know the story ? 
Dorothy. 

Something about a duel ? 

Blimboe. 

Yes, he killed his best friend in duel. 

Dorothy. 

About — about a lady, wasn't it, Mr. Blimboe ? 

Blimboe. 

Yes, and I fear she was not worth one good man's life and 
another's bitter grief. 

Mrs. Fenton. 

I'm sure of it. 

Blimboe. 

So he has sworn to fight no more, to go no more into the society 
of women, and to admit no lady to his house. 



The LADY URSULA 3 

Dorothy. 

Surely, Mr. Blimboe, you don't approve of such barbarous 

oaths ? „ 

Blimboe. 

The second part only is barbarous — and the first only has my 

approval. 

Mrs. Benton. 

Yes, but it's true enough that wherever women come, quarrels 
come. These duels are fearful things. Pray, Mr. Blimboe, have 
you read in the Postboy of the affair in Dublin ? Lord Hassenden 
says the town is ringing with it. 

Dorothy. 

What was it ? 

Blimboe. 

Yes, yes — between Colonel Joicey and Mr. McArthur. 

Mrs. Fenton. 

Brothers-in-law ! 

Dorothy. 

And they fought ? What was the quarrel about ? 

Blimboe. 

About 

Mrs. Fenton. 

It's of no consequence about what. They fought after dinner, 

across the table. 

Dorothy. 

What, lunging with their swords among the decanters ? Oh, 

they must have looked absurd. 

Mrs. Fenton. 
They fought with pistols, child. 

Blimboe. 

Pardon me, ma'am, you may more truly say with one pistol, 



4 The ADVENTURE of 

for the other was unloaded. Each combatant drew one at 
random. 

Mrs. Fenton. 

Yes, and Mr. McArthur drew the right one and shot the 
Colonel through the head. He fell across the table, dead in an 
instant and breaking all the glass ! 

Dorothy. 

How horrible ! I think Sir George Sylvester is quite right not 
to fight. [Goes up to window again. 

Mrs. Fenton. 

Is Ursula in sight, Dorothy ? 

Dorothy. 

No, I see nothing of her. 

Mrs. Fenton. 
Then we mustn't detain you, Mr. Blimboe. But stay — we 
shall be at home this evening. Pray come and drink tea with us, 
and make yourself known to Ursula. 

Blimboe. 

With the utmost pleasure. I won't fail you. Ladies, your 
servant. [He bows — they curtsey. He goes off L. 

Dorothy. 

[Coming down.] I wish he'd bring Sir George with him. 

Mrs. Fenton. 

My dear, if Sir George does not wish to know the ladies of the 
neighbourhood, nothing can be more undignified in them than to 
seek or even to desire acquaintance with him. [Sits again. 

Dorothy. 

But he's such an interesting man, Ursula says. 



The LADY URSULA 5 

Mrs. Fenton. 

Interesting indeed ! He certainly was a noted duellist and I'm 
afraid, a sad rake, too. 

Dorothy. 

Do you think all that makes him less interesting, Aunt ? If I 
weren't going to marry Frank 

Mrs. Fenton. 

Pray don't let Lord Hassenden hear you say such things. 

Dorothy. 

Of course not, but I may say them when he doesn't hear me, 
I suppose. Anyhow, Ursula finds Sir George interesting. [To 
window again. ,] She must be back soon, unless — Oh, what 
fun ! But I should lose my wager. 

Mrs. Fenton. 

What are you talking about my dear ? [Dorothy comes down, 
laughs, whispers in her ear.~\ What ? What do you say, Dor- 
othy ? Heavens above us ! Gone to Sir George Sylvester's ! 
Ursula gone to — ! [Dorothy laughs and nods.~\ Well, what 
young women are coming to, I don't know. 

Dorothy. 

Oh, people always say that. I suppose they always will, and 
[sighing] we never do anything very shocking after all. Any- 
how, it's Ursula, not me. I wonder if the trick can have suc- 
ceeded ? 

Mrs. Fenton. 

Pray let me hear no more about it. 

Dorothy. 
Very well. [She sits L. C. and yawns. ] Where's Frank, 
too ? Oh, how dull it is ! 



6 The ADVENTURE of 
Mrs. Fenton. 

What is this disgraceful trick, Dorothy ? 

Dorothy. 
Well, you told me not to talk about it, but it's — it's so amus- 
ing. [Rises and crosses to Mrs. F. ] Oh, but you'll betray it to 

Frank ! 

Mrs. Fenton. 

I won't, indeed I won't. 

Dorothy. 

[ Laughing. ] I believe you like a joke after all, Aunt. Well, 

Ursula has wagered me that she'll gain admission to Sir George's 

house. 

Mrs. Fenton. 
Well ! 

Dorothy. 

Just to make him break his oath, you know. She's gone out 
walking with Quilton — he's devoted to her and will do anything 
she tells him — and when she comes to Sir George's gates, she'll 
turn faint, and Quilton will help her up the avenue, and ring the 
bell, and Ursula will sink down on the doorstep and then 

Mrs. Fenton. 

[ Severely. ] Well, and then ? 

Dorothy. 

Oh, then I've wagered he won't ask her to walk in, and she's 
wagered he will. Oh, which do you think he'll do, Aunt? The 
wager is six pairs of the finest silk stockings; and I have no money, 
and I can't ask Frank for them, can I? Not yet, I mean. 

Mrs. Fenton. 
And if Ursula does force her way in in this fashion ? 



The LADY URSULA 7 

Dorothy. 

Oh, if she does make her way in, — well, I shouldn't wonder if 
she went again. 

Mrs. Fenton. 

If I had known that such escapades were to go on, I'd never 
have brought you here. I hope, Dorothy, that when you're 
married [Dorothy goes up to the window] you will exert an in- 
fluence for good on your sister-in-law. 

Dorothy. 

[ Absently — looking out of the window. ] Yes, I will, Aunt. 

Mrs. Fenton. 

You have been genteelly and religiously brought up. 

Dorothy. 
[As before.] Yes, I have, Aunt. [Mrs. F. rises.'] Oh, I 
wonder what's happened ? Do you think he'll let her in ? 

Mrs. Fenton. 
My dear, I don't take the least interest in the subject. [ Going L. ] 
But if I had done such a thing when I was a girl 

Dorothy. 

[ Laughing. ] Sir George wouldn't have let you in, Aunt ? 

Mrs. Fenton. 

I said nothing of the kind, Dorothy. Why are you laughing, 

pray ? 

Dorothy. 

At the idea, Aunt. [Mrs. F. looks severely at her and goes off 
L.] Never mind, I don't think she'll tell Frank. [Runs to 
window.] Oh, there's Ursula! [Glances at clock.] She can't 
have got in — it's too early. Then I've won the wager. Now 
what colour shall I have my stockings : 



8 The ADVENTURE of 

[ Enter Ursula L. She seems out of breath and agitated. 
Crosses and throws herself into chair R. by fire and sits 
silent. Dorothy comes down C. J 

Dorothy. 

You've lost, you've lost, Ursula ! Now, this time, positively 
you must pay the stakes, I wagered you six pairs of the finest 

Lady Ursula. 

Oh, do be quiet. I'm not thinking of stockings. I'd give sixty 
pairs to be out of this business. [ Jumping up and coming to Dor- 
othy.] A terrible thing has happened, Dorothy. 

Dorothy. 

A terrible thing ? Why, what ? 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Impressively. ] If Frank is dead by this time to-morrow, it 

will be my fault. 

Dorothy. 

Frank dead — dead by this time to-morrow ! Oh, what do you 

mean ? 

Lady Ursula. 

I'll tell you all about it — [ Pathetically. ] Oh, try, try not to 
hate me, darling. 

Dorothy. 

Tell me what you mean about Frank. 

Lady Ursula. 

I am telling you — only you interrupt me. I went there — to 
that odious man's, you know — as — as we arranged; and 

Dorothy. 

We didn't arrange, it was all your idea. 



The LADY URSULA 9 

Lady Ursula. 

Well, you incited me. 

Dorothy. 

No, I dissuaded you. 

Lady Ursula. 

You wagered 

Dorothy. 

That was to dissuade you. Oh, but do go on ! 

Lady Ursula. 

Oh, you'll be against me, of course ! I don't care. I couldn't 
foresee what would happen. It was just the unluckiest 

Dorothy. 

Are you never going on ? 

Lady Ursula. 

The very moment you'll be quiet and let me ! 

Dorothy. 

Quiet ! How can I be quiet when Frank's in peril of 

Lady Ursula. 

Very well. [ A pause. Tbey look defiantly at one another. 

Dorothy. 

Oh, go on, then. 

Lady Ursula. 

I went there and — and I fainted. I'd planned everything with 
Quilton most perfecdy. He helped me up the avenue and left me 
— drooping — on a seat. Then he went to the door and gave 
my compliments, said I was ill, and begged leave to rest myself 
for a little while before I resumed my walk. The servant shut 



io The ADVENTURE of 

the door, we waited, he came back with the answer — Sir George 
Sylvester presents his compliments to Lady Ursula Barrington 
and 

Dorothy. 

Would she honour him by stepping in ? 

Lady Ursula. 

No ! Would she take a glass of wine ! 

Dorothy. 

Well, well, Ursula ? 

Lady Ursula. 
I sent again. My compliments, I was obliged to Sir George, 
but I needed nothing except a few moments' rest on a sofa. Al- 
though in truth I was by then ashamed to go in, for my cheeks 
were as red as Frank's uniform coat. 

Dorothy. 

And what answer did he send to that ? 

Lady Ursula. 
Sir George's compliments. He regretted that his establishment 
did not admit of his receiving ladies, but he begged me to consider 
the porter's lodge at my disposal and to rest there so long as I 
might be inclined. 

Dorothy. 

The porter's lodge ! 

Lady Ursula. 

The porter's lodge. 

Dorothy. 
What barbarity ! But you've lost the wager, Ursula. 

Lady Ursula. 
Oh, that for the wager ! How am I to tell you, Dorothy ? 
Now comes the dreadful thing. 



The LADY URSULA 1 1 

Dorothy. 
About Frank ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Yes, about Frank. Just at that moment, as the devil would 

have it \_A movement from Dorothy.] Oh, I know, my 

dear, but it was the devil, if ever anything was — just at that 
moment who should come riding by but Frank ! He saw me on 
the seat in the avenue and Quilton still by the door. "What's 
this ? " he calls — off his horse in a moment ! And that silly old 
Quilton — I suppose he thought he was helping me — told him 
that I was ill and had asked leave to rest, but that Sir George had 
told me to go to — to the porter's lodge. You know Frank's 
temper — at least you will soon 

Dorothy. 

Frank's the sweetest-tempered 

Lady Ursula. 

Oh, sweet as gunpowder, my dear, and twice as quick. When 
he heard those words — porter's lodge — a Barrington sent to the 
porter's lodge — he blazed out in an instant — ordered me off 
home (on my soul, I forgot to go on being faint !) — and sent 
Quilton with a message that Sir George was no gentleman, that 
Sir George had insulted his sister, that an insult to his sister was 
an insult to him, that Sir George used to know, even if he had 
ceased to practise, the rules of conduct common among gentlemen 

— and that Oh, there was plenty more, but the sum of it all 

was that Sir George should hear from him. 

Dorothy. 
Hear from him ! 

Lady Ursula. 

That he'd send his seconds to him, you know. I left Frank 



12 The ADVENTURE of 

waiting for the answer. But of course Sir George must go 
out. 

Dorothy. 

Go out ! Fight ! You mean — fight ? 

Lady Ursula. 
Yes. He doesn't want to fight, you know, because of his last 
affair, but he must after Frank's words. 

Dorothy. 

Oh, how terrible ! [ Clutching her arm. ] Ursula, they won't 
fight as Joicey and McArthur fought ? 

Lady Ursula. 
How was that ? Oh, you mean the Dublin duel ? 

Dorothy. 

Yes — across the dinner table — with only one pistol loaded, 
each drawing one at random. 

Lady Ursula. 
No, they won't fight like that. [Shakes ber head. 

Dorothy. 
Thank Heaven for so much, at least ! 

Lady Ursula. 
It'll be worse than that — for Frank, I mean. 

Shaking ber bead. 

Dorothy. 
Worse ! 

Lady Ursula. 

Yes. That would be an even chance. As it is, Sir George'll 

have the choice of weapons — and everybody says he's the finest 

swordsman in London. 



T be LADY URSULA 13 
Dorothy. 

Oh, you wicked, wicked girl ! It's all your fault because you 

were so — so undignified and — and forward and unladylike. Oh, 

what shall I do ? Frank' 11 be killed. [Sinks into chair by window 

and sobs. Ursula sits and looks rigidly in front of her. J pause. ] 

[ Enter Quilton L. breathless and in haste. He stands 

looking at them. ] 

Lady Ursula. 

So, you may suppose, I'm not thinking much about your 
stockings. 

QjJ I L T O N. 

Beg pardon, my lady. Sir George sends word that my lord 
may send his friends as soon as my lord pleases, and Sir George 
will be pleased to name his. 

Dorothy. 
Oh! 

Lady Ursula. 
Where is my brother, Quilton ? 

Q_U I L T O N. 

On his way here, my lady, he is anxious to see and console 
your ladyship. 

Lady Ursula. 
Console me ! 

Dorothy. 
Console her ! 

Qu I L T O N. 

He'll be here directly. Beg your ladyship's pardon — shall I 

say that your ladyship is better ? 

Lady Ursula. 
No, Quilton, worse, worse. [Quilton goes off. Ursula 



i 4 r^ ADVENTURE «/ 

looks at Dorothy, rises and sighs . ] I must tell Frank the truth, 
that's all. [ Pause. ] And he must tell Sir George and apologize 
for what he said under a misapprehension. Perhaps that will 
prevent the meeting. 

Dorothy. 
What will Sir George think of you ? 

Lady Ursula. 

I suppose he'll think me the most ill-bred and impudent girl he 

ever heard of. 

Dorothy. 

Yes, that's exactly what he'll think. 

Lady Ursula. 

I don't care. I'd do anything sooner than let them fight. [A 

pause. ] You might pity me a little, Dorothy, I'm very unhappy. 

[Sits R. 
Dorothy. 

Pity you ! I'll keep my pity for my poor dear Frank ! 

Lady Ursula. 

How perversely things happen ! It was no more than a little 

jest of mine, and 

[ Enter Hassenden L. Dorothy runs over to bim and 
throws her arms round his neck.] 

Dorothy. 
Oh, darling Frank, must you fight this awful man ? 

Hassenden. 

[ Tenderly.] Yes, dear, I must go out with him. Don't fear 
for me. I can take care of myself. [Leaves her and comes to 
Ursula. Lays hand on her chair and bends over her.] My poor 
insulted sister ! 



The LADY URSULA 

Lady Ursula. 



*5 



\Comes down L. 
what do you mean ? 



Don't kiss me ! 

Dorothy. 

Poor insulted sister, indeed ! 

Hassenden. 

[ Looking from one to the other. ] Why - 

Dorothy. 

Oh, I'll leave Ursula to tell you herself. 

Hassenden. 
To tell me what ? 

Dorothy. 

What she has done. 

Hassenden. 

If there's anything to tell, pray tell me quickly. I'm on guard 
to-night and must leave for town immediately. I need not add 
that I have fresh business on hand now. 

Lady Ursula.' 
[Rising. ] Frank, there must be no meeting between Sir 
George Sylvester and you over this matter. 

Hassenden. 

But, by Heaven, there must ! The challenge is given and ac- 
cepted. Neither can draw back. 

Lady Ursula. 

There must be no meeting on account of the way in which Sir 
George used me. What he did was less than my deserts. I 
was playing a trick on him. [Hassenden starts and is about to 
speak. ] Oh, you need say nothing ! You needn't tell me what 
you think of me. I wanted to have a laugh against him. 



He 



16 The ADVENTURE of 

refuses to admit a woman to his house. I tried to procure entrance 
by pretending a fit of faintness. Well, I failed, I did not get in ; 
he sent me to the porter's lodge. 

Hassenden. 

Is this true, Ursula ? 

Lady Ursula. 
Yes, it is all true. I tried and I failed. There the matter 
would have ended, if you hadn't chanced to come by. 

Hassenden. 
As I did chance to come by, there it does not end. It ends 
and must end — elsewhere. 

Dorothy. 

But, Frank, you can tell him 

Lady Ursula. 

You can explain that your words 

Hassenden. 

Sir George Sylvester is too fine a swordsman for his opponent 
to be very ready with apologies. 

Dorothy. 
Oh, that's just a man's senseless reason ! 

Hassenden. 

Ah, Dorothy, and what is to be my apology ? What's my 
excuse? [ Holds Dorothy's hand and turns to Ursula.] That 
I have a sister — Lady Ursula Barrington — whose habit it is to 
force her acquaintance on gentlemen who do not desire it and her 
way into their houses when they do not invite her. [Ursula 
stands quite still. A pause. ] Shall I be welcome among my 
brother- officers with these excuses on my lips ? 



r^ LADY URSULA 17 
Dorothy. 

But they'll understand 



Hassenden. 

Believe me, if I sheltered myself behind such a plea, it is not 
one but twenty quarrels that I should have on my hands. 

Dorothy. 

Oh, and it was my fault, too, because I 

Lady Ursula. 

Stop ! It was my fault and mine only. The trick was en- 
tirely of my devising. 

Hassenden. 

A pretty trick, indeed. A very pretty trick. It might have 
cost your reputation, it is likely to cost only my life. [ Turns to 
Dorothy. ] Good-bye, dearest. Hush, not a word ! I must 
go. I will see you again before — before anything further hap- 
pens. Good-bye. [Kissing ber. Goes up L. Pauses, turns and 
looks at Ursula. ] You have one more brother. Pray indulge 
yourself in one more such trick. Good-day to you. [Bows and 
goes off L. Dorothy sits L. and cries. Ursula still stands 
without movement. A pause. ] 

Lady Ursula. 

What's the use of crying ? Tears are no armour for Frank, 
tears won't turn Sir George's sword. We can do nothing — so 
let us laugh. Let us laugh, Dolly. Isn't it ludicrous in truth ? 
A mad girl plays a mad trick and a brave gentleman, her dear 
brother, dies for it. Isn't it laughable ? [ Walks to window, 
looks out for a moment.^ It's growing dusk. [Goes L. and stands 
before the mirror. Dorothy lifts her head and looks at Ursula. 



18 7^ ADVENTURE j/ 

J pause.] Well, if Frank won't tell the truth, I will tell it to 
Sir George myself. 

Dorothy. 

[Leaning forward.] Ursula ! You'll write to him ? 

Lady Ursula. 

T Looking in mirror. ] No, he would not mind a letter. [ Tak- 
ing a step back, smiling a little and striking an attitude. ] No, I 
shall fare better — face to face. I'll go to him. 

Dorothy. 

Go to him ? Oh, and plead with him ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Yes — [ She arranges her hair and dances a step or two before 
the mirror] and plead with him. 

Dorothy. 

[ Rising and leaning her elbow on the sill of the window. ] But 
— but how are you going to get at him ? [ Ursula wheels around 
suddenly.] You can't waylay him in the street, you can't go 
faint again — and if you did he would — he would only send his 
compliments and make you welcome to — the porter's lodge ! 

Lady Ursula. 

I'll effect an entrance if — if I have to kiss the footman ! 

[Turns an instant to mirror and looks. Then smiling turns again 

and goes up to Dorothy. ] Take heart, Dolly, dear Dolly. 

Your beau shan't be killed nor my cruel brother either. [ Comes 

down. ] Oh, if only Walter were here and not in France ! He 

could help me. 

Dorothy. 

\ Following her down.] Walter! What could he do? Ex- 
cept be second to Frank in the duel ? 



The LADY URSULA 19 

Lady Ursula. 

Why, he could go to Sir George and tell him what Frank won't 
tell him. Oh, to be a man for an hour ! [ Pause. ] Walter 
could get in. I can't. Unless — [Glances at window. It is 
growing dusk] — unless in the dark I were mistaken for a man. 

Dorothy. 

What's the use of talking in that fashion ? Mistake you for a 
man ! [Sits R. 

Lady Ursula. 

[Going up to window.] It's growing dark. [She turns and 
looks at Dorothy.] I'm a good height, I can bear myself up- 
right. I'm like Walter. Walter's chin is still smooth enough. 
[Conies down quickly to Dorothy.] I'm going to help Frank — 
will you help him — help him by helping me ? Oh, I know 
what may be said if I'm found out. What do I care, if I can 
prevent this duel ? Dolly, will you help me ? 

Dorothy. 

How, in what ? Only tell me ! 

Lady Ursula. 

By keeping my secret and by being on the lookout to let me in 
when I come back. 

Dorothy. 

Let you in ? Are you going out ? [ Rising. ] To Sir 
George's again, Ursula ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Yes, to Sir George's again ! Will you do what I ask of you — 
will you, Dolly ? [ Catches her hands. 

Dorothy. 

[Drawing back. ] I'll do anything to help Frank. 



2o J 1 ^ ADVENTURE 9/ 
Lady Ursula. 

[Reproachfully. ] And nothing to help me now ? [ Smiling. ] 
But I'll win your love again — and to punish you I'll win the 
stockings after all. No, you shall kiss me. [Kisses Dorothy. 
Dorothy is reluctant, but at last kisses bet, laughing a little. 
Ursula runs L. calling.'] Quilton, Quilton! [She stands before 
mirror, assumes jaunty attitude and draws her skirt above and azoay 
from ber feet. Drops skirt hastily, turns away, and comes down 
C. as Quilton enters carrying a large fat box. He sets it down 
by window as Ursula speaks to bim.~\ Has my lord gone to town 

yet? 

Q_UI LTO N. 

He has just set out, my lady. He hopes to be back in the 
early morning. 

Lady Ursula. 
[Going to him.] Dear old Quilton, I'm in a great trouble. 

Qui lton. 

There's nothing new in that. 

Lady Ursula. 
And it's by my own fault. 

QjJ ILTON. 
Nor in that, neither. But you'll coax your way out of it — 
and there'll be nothing new in that, neither. 

Lady Ursula. 
Shall I, Quilton ? Not unless you help me. 

QjJ ILTON. 

Ah, and there'll oe nothing new in that, neither. I remember 
well enough when you were a naughty little girl 



The LADY URSULA 21 

Lady Ursula. 

For heaven's sake, don't remember that. Indeed, you remem- 
ber it too often. Tell me, what suits of Mr. Walter's have you 
here ? [ Dorothy looks up startled and listens. ] Most of his I 
know he took with him to France. 

Q_U I L T O N. 

Why, my lady, for what reason do you desire to know ? 

Lady Ursula. 
Oh, never mind why. Tell me, tell me. Dolly, come here 
and listen. 

Dorothy. 

[Rising and coming to center, R. of Quilton who is between 
them. ~\ But why in the world are you ? 

Lady Ursula. 
If either of you love me, no more questions. The suits, 
Quilton ! Dear Quilton, the suits ! 

QjJ I L T O N. 

Well, Gfcd knows the ways of your mind, my lady ! Well, 
then, there's the black slashed with red. 

Lady Ursula. 

Oh, I'm not going to play the devil in Dr. Faustus. 

Q_U I L T O N. 

There's the white and gold. 

Lady Ursula. 

Alas, I'm not going to a wedding. 

Q\J ILTON, 
There's the buff and violet. 



22 r^ ADVENTURE «/ 
Lady Ursula. 

I should be like a Whig in mourning. 

Q_U I L T O N. 
There's the sage-green. 

Lady Ursula. 

I am not wise — and I have no man yet to be jealous of. 

Dorothy. 
But, Ursula — 

Lady Ursula. 

Hush, you'll understand directly — and I have your promise of 

secrecy. 

Q_UI LTON. 

There's the pink. 

Lady Ursula. 
Oh, it kills my face. Are there no more ? 

QjU I L T O N. 

No more, my lady. 

Lady Ursula. 
That ever my plan should be baulked like this ! For I'd better 
not go at all than go in a colour that doesn't become me. 

Dorothy. 

[Clasping her hands. ] Oh, I understand ! Ursula, how shall 
you ? [ Falls back a little. 

Lady Ursula. 

Is there absolutely no other, Quilton ? 

Q_U I L T O N. 

None, my lady, except 

Dorothy. 

[Looks round at box.~\ What's this ? [Runs to it, picks it up 



The LADY URSULA 23 

and comes C. Reads address on ;/.] To the Honourable Walter 
Barrington at Edgware. \Looks at Ursula and reads again. ] 
The suit as commanded in pale blue with silver. 

Q_U I L T O N. 
It's Mr. Walter's new suit, my lady — ordered for the ball at 
the Ambassador's in Paris. I brought the box here that your lady- 
ship might write the French address on it for me. 

Lady Ursula. 

Pale blue and silver ! Oh, Dolly, the colours become me to a 
marvel — what a blessed chance ! 

Qui lton. 

It must go to Paris at once, my lady. 

Lady Ursula. 

It must go first to Sir George Sylvester's ! 

Qui lton. 

To Sir George Sylvester's ! And who's to go in it then ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Why, I am, Quilton. [Quilton chuckles. ] Oh, laugh away, 
but I'll do it. Give me the box, Dolly. [ Takes it. ] And, 
Quilton, you must dress my hair. [She goes to table and unfastens 
lox.\ 

Quilton. 

Qrfd save us, and what'll my lord say ? 

Dorothy. 

My lord mustn't know. 

Quilton. 
And what'll Mr. Walter say ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Dolly, Dolly, see, here's the coat — a beautiful coat ! [ Doro- 



24 J 1 ^ ADVENTURE «/ 

thy runs to ber. Ursula bands coat to Dorothy. Quslton 
stands a moment, laughing again. Ursula takes out waistcoat. ] 

QuiLTON. 
[Going L. ] She's going to wear the breeches ! [ Goes off L. 
laughing and shaking bis bead. ] 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Coming L. centre. ] And what a waistcoat ! 

Dorothy. 

Yes — and [ She takes out the breeches, unfolds them ana 

holds them up. ] Look at the ! 

Lady Ursula. 

Oh, the ! [Runs across to Dorothy. Both examine the 

breeches, laughing. Ursula holds them in front of ber gown. 
Dorothy laughs and claps ber bands. While tbey are thus en- 
gaged Mrs. Fenton enters L. and stands a moment looking. ~\ 

Mrs. F e n t o n. 

What are you doing r What have you there ? [ Comes down L. ] 

Lady Ursula. 

[Nudging Dorothy.] Only — only Walter's new clothes, 
Mrs. Fen ton. 

Dorothy. 

Yes, only — only Walter's new clothes, Aunt. 

Lady Ursula. 

They've just come home, they're for the Ambassador's ball at 

Paris. 

Dorothy. 

They have to go to Paris at once. Aren't they pretty ? 



r^ LADY URSULA 25 

Lady Ursula. 
We were just looking at them — and — and seeing whether they 
— I mean hoping they would fit, you know. 

Mrs. Fenton. 

Hum! A nice employment for young women. Pray, do ladies 
usually scrutinize gentlemen's clothes, to see whether they fit ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Only — only when the gentleman's inside them, as a rule, I 
suppose. 

Mrs. Fenton. 

It was not the custom in my girlhood. 

Dorothy. 

No, I suppose not, Aunt. 

Mrs. Fenton. 

Come, dears, fold them neatly and put them away. As for 
you, Ursula, I have heard of your proceedings. You should be 
ashamed of yourself. 

Lady Ursula. 

Indeed I am. Fold up the coat, Dorothy. Oh, yes, I am, 
Mrs. Fenton. [ Takes breeches. ] I'll fold these. 

Mrs. Fenton. 

And now you're looking at a gentleman's clothes ! Well, I 
suppose you'll be trying them on next. [ Ursula and Dorothy 
look at one another and laugh. ] 

Lady Ursula. 

Trying them on ! Oh, fie, Mrs. Fenton! Do be quick and 
put them back in the box, Dorothy. [ Mrs. F. goes up to the 
window and looks out. Ursula again makes as though to measure 
the breeches. Mrs. F. turns round and Ursula begins to fold 



26 r^ ADVENTURE 0/ 

them hastily.] Oh, Dorothy, don't crease the coat, or I shall — 

I — I mean — or Walter will look [ She still holds the 

breeches. ] 

Mrs. Fenton. 

Come with me, Dorothy. I want you to write a letter for me. 

[Goes L. 
Dorothy. 

I'll come in an instant, Aunt. 

Mrs. Fenton. 

And do endeavor to conduct yourselves with more gentility. 

[Goes oj L. 
Lady Ursula. 

[Crossing L. ] Oh, I'll conduct myself with infinite gentility. 

Dolly, I will be the finest gallant in the town ! You shan't see 

me for fear you forsake poor Frank and fall in love with me all in 

a moment. 

Dorothy. 

You'll wear them ? You'll go in them to Sir George ? 

Lady Ursula. 
I will. 

Dorothy. 

And, Ursula, can you — ah, can you prevent a duel ? 

Lady Ursula. 

A duel ! [ Coming to her. ] No, Dolly, I can't prevent a 

duel. 

Dorothy. 

Then what's the use of ? 

Lady Ursula. 
There must be a duel. 

Dorothy. 

And Frank will be killed ! 



r^ LADY URSULA 27 
Lady Ursula. 

No, Frank will not be killed. 

Dorothy. 

But how, how ? 

Lady Ursula. 

[Putting one arm round Dorothy's waist and holding up the 
breeches in the other hand. ] There must be a duel — but — I 
will fight it with Sir George ! 

CURTAIN 





A C T I I 



Sir George Sylvester's bouse at Edgware — eight 
p. m. The dining-room — doors up L. , down R. 
At back a large window in a recess with curtains 
drawn across. Centre L., a small polished table 
with decanters and glasses. Sylvester, Blim- 
boe and Castleton are at table. Blimboe 
smokes a long clay. Castleton in riding dress, 
Sylvester in undress. 

Blimboe. 

O fight in a private quarrel is a sin, to break an oath 
is a sin, and 

Castleton. 

On my soul to refuse to see a pretty girl — 
whether in or out of a faint, I care not — is a heinous sin. 

Sylvester. 

Then I'm damned three times over. For I would not see her 
and I will not. Fight I will ; and to fight I must break my oath. 

Castleto N. 
The oath had no sense, George, no consistency, no harmony of 
its members. For to keep the part concerning women was bound 
to run you into a discourtesy 




3 o J 1 ^ ADVENTURE a/ 
Blimboe. 

True, Mr. Castleton ; very well put, sir. 

Castleton. 
And from discourtesy follows fighting as pat as one kiss from 
another. 

Blimboe. 

Yet the Scriptures tell us — : — 

Castleton. 

Ah, we live in other times — and a man cannot be at odds with 

his times. 

Blimboe. 

The case is difficult, I own. 

Sylvester. 

[Laughing. ] For a parson who loves fighting, it's mighty 
difficult. \Claps Blimboe on the shoulder. ~\ This fellow's a 
glutton for it in his heart. But for his cloth we should none of us 
be safe. \Sigbing.~\ But I regret this affair. Hassenden's a 
good fellow, though he's over hot in the head — and, plague take 
it, when I see my man opposite me, I'm bound to use my knowl- 
edge. 

Blimboe. 

You need do no more than touch him — the wrist, say, or 

somewhere safe in the arm. This isn't a Joicey and McArthur 

business. 

Castleton. 

No — no more of that butchery, in heaven's name. 

Sylvester. 
He offered me most direct insults, and I love a neat thrust. 
Jack. 



r^ LADY URSULA 31 

Castleton. 
That you did always. But — does the oath hold good except 
for Hassenden ? 

Sylvester. 

For you, anyhow. Say what you will. 

Castleton. v 

Then give me leave to tell you you're a fool. ■ Ah, make as 
many vows to women as you like, but none about them. 

B L I M B O E. 

Now pray, sir, why so ? 

Castleton. 

Because the keeping of the first depends on your own mind, and 
the keeping of the second depends mainly on theirs. [ To Sylves- 
ter. ] Besides, man, I hear that the lady whom you would have 
sent to your porter's lodge is to be the belle of London — the 
prettiest creature, they say, in all the town. She passed the season 
in York and broke more hearts than they break heads at a West- 
minster election. 

Blimboe. 
The more reason to restrict her to the porter's lodge. 

Castleton. 

I grant you that — from the porter's point of view. 

Sylvester. 
And from mine, also. 

Castleton. 

Ugliness may produce a virtue — a soldier with no legs can't 
run away — but hang me, George, if it be one — or if it is, the 
world is nine-tenths virtuous already ! 



32 The ADVENTURE of 

Blimboe. 
There is no virtue, sir, where there is no temptation. 

Castleton. 

And where there is temptation, there remains very little virtue. 
If a man desires to be righteous — why, the world is badly ordered 
for him. But I wish you'd seen her, George. 

Blimboe. 

You won't kill the young lord, Sir George ? He's to be mar- 
ried in a month to a most engaging young lady. 

Sylvester. 
Hum ! I come in the nick of time to save him. Death is to 
marriage as the coup de grace to slow torture. 

Castleton. 

Ah, but they say fanatics feel no pain. 

Sylvester. 
Then I amend — better death than madness. 

Blimboe. 

The Holy Martyrs were not mad. 

Sylvester. 
They were leaving their wives behind them — and going to a 
place where in most cases they wouldn't meet them again. 

Blimboe. 

Gentlemen, gentlemen ! Marriage is of Divine foundation. 

Sylvester. 

May be. But when a building is complete, the foundations are 

not visible. 

Castleton. 

She's tall, they say, and very slender. I like 'em like willows, 



The LADY URSULA 



33 



George. Her eye is blue, her cheek not so red but that you have 
good excuse for making it redder, her mouth not so small as to 
stint a man nor yet so large as to discourage him from seeking to 
cover it, her ear 

Sylvester. 

In Heaven's name, who's the text for this rhapsody ? 

Castleton. 

Oh, it's only a part of what* is reported of the lady whom you 
sent to your porter's lodge. I trust you asked leave of the porter's 
wife ? 

Sylvester. 

The porter, thank Gift, is a bachelor. 

Castleton. 
George, I think I'll be your porter. Give this fellow his conge 
and take me in his place. [Rising.] Well, fight you will and 
kiss you won't ? So it stands, does it ? 

Sylvester. 

Yes, I must be content to keep half my oath. At least it is the 
better half. 

Castleton. 

Well, since I can't help you in one, I'd help you in the other 
— but Hassenden's of my company and my friend. 

Sylvester. 
I know, Jack. I'll ask Giles Marsh to act for me. 

B L I M B O E. 

But can there be no explanation, no apology ? 

Sylvester. 

None ; the affair has gone too far. 



34 r^ ADVENTURE 0/ 

Castleton. 

Swords, I suppose ? 

Sylvester. 
Without doubt. I was the challenged party. 

Castleton. 

Well, Heaven bring you both safe out of it. Good-night, 

George. 

Sylvester. 

{Rising. ] Good-night. I'll find you at your lodgings to- 
morrow. We don't meet till the next day, because Hassenden is 
on guard to-night and his eye might be out. 

Castleton. 
Then you've full leisure for the arrangements. But come up 
to-night, George. What is there to keep you here i 

Sylvester. 
Nothing, yet I'll stay. I'm not dressed — and I'm not in the 
mood for company. 

Castleton. 
As you like. But if you change your mind, there's a bed at 
my lodgings and I'll leave word where I'm to be found if I go 
out. [Going Z. ] Good-night to you, Mr. Blimboe. 

B L I M B O E. 

[ Bowing. ] Sir, your obedient servant. 

Castleton. 
[ Pausing. ] I wish you'd let her in, George. On my life, I 
long to see her ! 

Sylvester. 
Ah, I don't. Till to-morrow, then ! 



r^ LADY URSULA 35 

Castleton. 
I still hope for to-night. [He goes off L. Sylvester pours 
out glass of wine. They sit again. ] 

B L I M B O E. 

I also wish that you had seen her, if she be all Mr. Castleton 
says. 

Sylvester. 

You wish it ? 

B LI M BO E. 

Yes. Whether for sin or for sorrow you have grieved long 

enough. 

Sylvester. 

You're a good friend. But I can't bring myself to think of a 
woman. 

Bli mboe. 

You'd have said the same of a sword last night. 

Sylvester. 

Aye, I'm a fool — if that helps the matter. 

B L I M B O E. 

[ Rising. ] Well, it will be little use if you kill her brother — 
still, when we meet again I'll tell you wh?t she is in truth like. 

Sylvester. 

You'll tell me ? Shall you see her, then ? 

B L I M BOE. 

She's of my parish — thanks to you — and it is my duty to see 
her. I waited on her this afternoon, but saw only the lady who 
is to marry my lord, and her Aunt. Lady Ursula was out. 

Sylvester. 
Oh, yes, Lady Ursula was out. I know that well enough ! 



36 r^ ADVENTURE «/ 

B L I M B O E. 

So I go to-night to drink tea and then make acquaintance with 

her. 

Sylvester. 

Not a word of this matter — in case Hassenden hasn't men- 
tioned it. 

B L I M B O E. 

You may trust me in that. 

Sylvester. 

But I hoped you'd bear me company through the evening. 
What shall I do to pass my time ? Must I sit and think of this 
wonderful lady ? 

Blimboe. 
Or of the duel you are to fight ? 

Sylvester. 

Plague take it, no ! I'll go to town and find Jack. That'll be 
better than my thoughts. [Rises.] Good-night, old friend. 
XTbey shake bands.] I wish most heartily this hadn't happened. 
[ Blimboe is about to speak.] No, it's too late. [ Blimboe goes 
off L. Sylvester sits moodily by table. A pause.] Eyes 

blue — her cheeks not so red ! What was that nonsense of 

Jack Castleton's ? Well, I hope the boy can use his blade a little. 

On my life, I believe I shouldn't care if he used it better than I 

used mine. [Sigh and yawns. 

[Enter Mills R.] 

Mills. 
The gardener you wished to see is in waiting, Sir George. 

Sylvester. 
Let him come in, then. 



r^ LADY URSULA 37 
Mills. 

He's been at work among the manure and his feet [Looks 

at carpet.] 

Sylvester. 

{Laughing.] Oh, you're careful for the carpets. [Rises. ] 
Well, I'll see him in the kitchen. [Goes R. and pauses.] I 
may go to town to-night. Be prepared, and set out the black 
suit. And let the chaise be ready and a horse stood in his harness. 

Mills. 
Yes, Sir George. [ Sylvester goes off, followed by Mills R. 
A short pause. ] 

[ Enter a Footman L. ushering in Ursula. She wears 
the blue and silver suit, a large bat, a man's wig and 
a long cloak folded close round her. She looks round 
hastily and, on seeing nobody, sighs as though in relief, 
and comes down L. ] 

Servant. 
[Going R.] I will inform Sir George of your presence, sir. 
What name, sir r 

Lady Ursula. 
Mr. Walter Barrington. You may add that I come on Lord 
Hassen den's business. 

Servant. 
Yes, sir. Will you be seated ? [ Brings chair. ] May I re- 
move your cloak, sir ? 

Lady Ursula. 
[ Starting. ] Remove my cloak? No, no, it's — I'm cold. 
Pray go at once. [ Servant goes off. Ursula stands still till be 
is gone and then draws a breath. ] Well, here I am in the house 



38 The A D VE NTU R E of 

— in very truth in the house ! And but for Frank's sake I'd 
most heartily wish myself anywhere else in the world — even 
where I ought to be — at home with the parson — that must have 
been he whom I passed on the road. \_Smiling.~] But I'm in ! 
I've won the stockings from Dorothy ! Oh, don't let me think 
of — [ Opens cloak] stockings — or I'm lost ! Here comes some- 
body ! [Hastily folds cloak again as Sylvester enters R. Both 

bow lota. ] 

Sylvester. 

I am Sir George Sylvester, sir, at your service. 

Lady Ursula. 

I — I come, sir 

Sylvester. 
On behalf of Lord Hassenden, if I understood your message 
rightly. Indeed, sir, I regret that you have been put to this 
trouble, but Ah, I live so much alone that I forget all cour- 
tesies. Pray, be seated, sir. 

Lady Ursula. 
I thank you, sir. [ Moves toward chair L. C. 

Sylvester. 
And allow me to assist you to remove your cloak. 

Lady Ursula. 
No, no. I'm not hot. Indeed, I'm 

Sylvester. 
I insist, indeed I must insist. [ Goes to her and takes off cloak, 
Ringing it on a chair by the table.] Now, pray be seated and let 
me offer you a glass of wine. 

Lady Ursula. 
I thank you again, but no wine, sir. 



The LADY URSULA 39 

Sylvester. 

I was about to express my regret that you had put yourself to 
the pains of this visit. I understood that the — er — affair was 
to be carried through in town — such things make so much less 
talk in town — and that the arrangements would be made there. 
My friend, Mr. Marsh, who acts for me, is there already. If 
it isn't inconvenient to you, Mr. Barrington — by the way, 
you're Lord Hassenden's brother, I presume ? 

Lady Ursula. 
Yes — his younger brother. 

Sylvester. 

[Sitting.'] So I suppose, sir, from your style no less [Looking 
at her\ than your appearance. I heard you were in France. 

Lady Ursula. 
I have returned only this evening — and — and I go back there 
immediately. 

Sylvester. 

Permit me to say, if I do not commit a breach of etiquette, how 
deeply I regret that such business as this should await you on your 
arrival. However, such discussion as is necessary — none, I fear, 
can be fruitful — you will prefer to conduct with my friend. 

Lady Ursula. 

No, I — I want to talk to you. 

Sylvester. 

Forgive me, but had we not best be regular ? Mr. Marsh acts 
on my behalf, you act on your brother's 

La dy Ursula. 

No, sir, you're mistaken. I act on my own behalf. 



4 o The ADVENTURE of 
Sylvester. 

I beg your pardon ? I didn't catch your meaning. I have, 
alas! much experience, and in that your age doesn't enable you 
to rival me. Your visit, sir, is not regular, if you act for your 
brother. If you come on business of your own, your visit, how- 
ever great an honour to me, is ill-timed. [Rises. ] Is your 
chaise in waiting ? 

Lady Ursula. 
[Rising.'] Sir George ! 

Sylvester. 
Sir ! 

Lady Ursula. 

Is what they tell of you true ? 

Sylvester. 
What they tell of a man is seldom true — except when it's evil. 

Lady Ursula. 

That when you met the friend whom you killed 

Sylvester. 

It was by the unluckiest chance 

Lady Ursula. 
[Stopping kirn.] He had sent to you a gentleman known to 
you both, charged to effect a reconciliation — and that you would 
not speak with the gentleman ? 

Sylvester. 
Yes, it is true. [A pause. 

Lady Ursula. 

My chaise is waiting, sir. Shall I go to it ? 

Sylvester. 

[ Coldly. ] Sit down and state your business — briefly, if I may 



r^ LADY URSULA 41 

beg that favour. If your brother can use his sword as well as you 
can your tongue, he needs no intercession. [Sits, resting bis head 
on his hand. ] 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Impulsively. ] Ah, forgive me, I — [ Recollecting herself ] 
I should say that I am not here to intercede for my brother. 
[Sylvester looks up. Ursula sits L. of table.\ Yet I am here 
to intercede. 

Sylvester. 

My quarrel is with your brother — with nobody else. 

Lady Ursula. 

I think, sir, you don't know — my sister ? 

Sylvester. 
As you must be aware, I have no acquaintance with Lady 
Ursula Barrington. 

Lady Ursula. 
And you desire none ? 

Sylvester. 
I must plead guilty to your charge ; the present situation proves 
it against me. 

Lady Ursula. 

Oh, no need for an apology. I assure you she is fully as un- 
willing to meet you. 

Sylvester. 

I believe it undoubtedly — illness alone drove her to my inhos- 
pitable door. And now she takes her brother's part ? Or is it 
her own grievance ? I may say to you, sir, what your brother's 
hasty violence forbade and must forbid me to say to him. My 
refusal to admit your sister was not personal to her ; the same 
message would have come to any lady. My desires are well 



42 r^ ADVENTURE 5/ 

known, why am I not free to indulge them ? [Rising and going 
down R. then turning.] You will say your sister was faint. 
[ Shrugging bis shoulders. ] Well, I offered 

Lady Ursula. 
No, sir, I shall say no such thing. My sister was not faint. 

Sylvester. 

[ Starting and looking at ber.~\ Not faint ? 

Lady Ursula. 

How can I tell you ? 

Sylvester. 
[ Coming and sitting again. ] What can you have to tell me ? 

Lady Ursula. 
It grieves me as deeply to speak to her discredit as to my own. 

Sylvester. 

I understand your feelings, sir 

Lady Ursula. 

Do you, indeed ? Well, here it is. You and my brother are 

common victims of one — of one — do you know anything of 

women ? 

Sylvester. 

[ Smiling. ] I have passed my years like a fool, or a monk, if 

I don't know more than you. 

Lady Ursula. 

Have you read the story of Bluebeard ? 

Sylvester. 

A wise man — but given to repeating hopeless experiments. 

Lady Ursula. 

Yet you imitated him. You set up his secret room anew. 



r^ LADY URSULA 43 
Sylvester. 

I didn't give the key to any lady. 

Lady Ursula. 

No, you improved on the model ; you dared any lady to find 

the key. 

Sylvester. 

[ Leaning forward. ] Your sister tried ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Yes. I am here to confess it for her. 

Sylvester. 

Her faintness ? 

Lady Ursula. 

A trick to gain admission. 

Sylvester. 
[ Smiling. ] It seems, then, that she did desire my acquaint- 
ance. 

Lady Ursula. 

Oh, a whim, the merest whim. And indeed I wonder at it as 
much as you do ! [ A pause. ~\ 

Sylvester. 

Well, she tried — but failed. So she needn't lose her head. 

Lady Ursula. 

No. She need only break her heart. 

Sylvester. 

For not seeing me ? I protest that my attractions don't war- 
rant 

Lady Ursula. 

No — for causing her brother's death. Your skill, sir, is well 
known. 



44 The ADVENTURE of 

Sylvester. 

Skill is a bad possession if it requires a man to sit down under 

insults. 

Lady Ursula. 

Yes, but your true quarrel is with my sister. Come, had she 
been in very truth faint, wasn't your message discourteous and my 
brother's anger just ? 

Sylvester. 
-You plead well ; but then you confess that she was not faint. 

Lady Ursula. 
Aye, but my brother believed that she was. Your quarrel, I 
say, is with her. 

Sylvester. 
Hum ! So far as she made a fool of him as well as of me — 

Lady Ursula. 

Of you ! No. She — she didn't come near enough. Well, 
if you fight with ladies, you have a good quarrel. But must you 
kill her brother to punish her ? 

Sylvester. 
Lord Hassenden hasn't pleaded his sister's trick as his excuse. 

Lady Ursula. 
I so plead it now. 

Sylvester. 

By whose desire ? By his ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Lord save us, no ! By hers. 

Sylvester. 

[ With an impatient laugh. ] Well, we've both been fooled — 
he and I — and my lady laughs at us ! 



J 1 ^ LADY URSULA 45 

Lady Ursula. 
Laughs ? No — she weeps — or would weep if she were 
alone. 

Sylvester. 

Ah, my good friend Blimboe's with her. 

Lady Ursula. 

I know some one is with her 

Sylvester. 

And wearies her ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Oh, not more than she's able to endure. 

Sylvester. 

He promised to bring me an account of her — though in truth 
I didn't ask it. 

Lady Ursula. 

By some she is thought — good looking. 

Sylvester. 

And isn't she ? You look often on her face. 

Lady Ursula. 

I see it less than most of her intimates. 

Sylvester. 
She might well be handsome. Yes, your sister might well be 
beautiful — as, indeed, I hear she is. For you, sir, have a hand- 
some face, a good shape, and [ Looking down J a pretty leg. 

Lady Ursula. 

[Drawing back ber leg hastily.] You wouldn't surely reason 
from mine to my sister's ? 



46 The ADVENTURE of 

Sylvester. 

According to the philosophers, where observation is impossible 
we must use inference. 

Lady Ursula. 

Sir, I protest 

Sylvester. 

[ Laughing. ] On my life, you're blushing ! 

Lady Ursula. 
I'm not blushing. The — the room is warm. 

Sylvester. 

Yet you would have kept your cloak. 

Lady Ursula. 
I — I should have been no hotter in it. Come, we are talking 
of my sister, not of my leg. 

Sylvester. 
Well, have you by chance a likeness of her ? I should be very 
willing to see the favour of my petitioner's face. 

Lady Ursula. 
Oh, yes. I have a very speaking likeness of her. 

Sylvester. 

Pray give it me. 

Lady Ursula. 

Give it you ? It's early days indeed for that ! And would 

you keep it ? 

Sylvester. 

[ Laughing. ] Against all comers — if once I had it for my 
own. But I meant only — show it me. 



The LADY URSULA 47 

Lady Ursula. 
By ill-luck I have left it behind. It's in — in my wardrobe — 
with some other trifles that I sometimes wear, 

Sylvester. 
Love tokens ? You're young, sir, to wear such trifles. 

Lady Ursula. 

I might call you young to have forsworn them. But I'll 

describe her to you — as I saw her last, standing before her 

mirror. 

Sy lye ste r. 

Is she often in that position ? 

Lady Ursula. 

So I see her most often. 

Sylvester. 

She has vanity in her, then ? 

Lady Ursula. 

You shall hear her excuse. Her eyes are 

Sylvester. 

I know — blue. 

Lady Ursula. 

Hum ! You know ? Her colour 

Sylvester. 

Oh, moderate. Neither high nor yet pallid. Well enough, I 
dare say. 

Lady Ursula. 

Her mouth 

Sylvester. 

Of middle size — neither so small as to be insignificant, nor so 
large as to be outrageous. 



48 1^ ADVENTURE j/ 

Lady Ursula. 
Your informant, sir, is accurate in his information, if cold in 
his description. Pray who is he ? 

Sylvester. 

No matter. The information is his, the coldness, I fear, mine. 
He raved as far as beyond reason as [ Smiling ] doubtless your sister 
is beyond comparison. 

Lady Ursula. 

I know nothing of that. I love her too well to speak of her 

impartially. 

Sylvester. 

Is she so virtuous ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Such duties as she cannot avoid she does. 

Sylvester. 
So gentle ? 

Lady Ursula. 

A temper like a summer breeze, rising and falling. 

Sylvester. 
Hum ! So patient ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Of every man except a fool — and of him when no other's by. 

Sylvester. 
So decorous ? 

Lady Ursula. 

You would have known that if you hadn't turned her from 

your door. 

Sylvester. 
So loving ? 



ri; LADY URSULA 49 
Lady Ursula. 

Loving ? Oh, as for that, I can't tell. 

Sylvester. 
But you're her brother. 

Lady Ursula. 

True, true, she loves me well, very well. Of other love she 

knows nothing yet. 

Sylvester. 

She will soon, no doubt. 

Lady Ursula. 
[ Eagerly. ] Do you think she will ? 

Sylvester. 

If she's so handsome — and as little coy as would seem to be 

the case. 

Lady Ursula. 

As little coy as ! In faith, she's monstrously coy. 

Sylvester. 
Yes — sometimes she faints for very coyness, eh ? Come, you 
must cure her. Such coyness doesn't fit a woman of fashion. 
On my soul, they would take care to faint not outside your door, 
but well within it. 

Lady Ursula. 
[Rising.] Ah, I see that you won't forgive her. 

Sylvester. 
Yes, I will. 

Lady Ursula. 

You will — ah, thank Heaven ! 

Sylvester. 
On a condition. 



5 o The ADVENTURE of 

Lady Ursula. 

Not that Frank — that Hassenden must make you an apology ? 

I fear he 

Sylvester. 

No. On condition that [ He rises ] you give me the likeness 

which is in your wardrobe. 

Lady Ursula. 

You ask before seeing it ! And shouldn't you ask it of Ursula 

herself? 

Sylvester. 

If I like it when I see it, I will ask it of her. 

Lady Ursula. 
A bargain, a bargain ! But I don't know whether she'll give it 

Sylvester. 
She fainted only for a sight of me ! 

Lady Ursula. 

She might faint less after a sight of you. Seeing is believing — 
but dreaming often is 

Sylvester. 

Loving ? Aye, and loving dreaming. But I shall like her well, 
if she has your merry wit and — shall I say twice your looks ? 

Lady Ursula. 
Twice my looks ! Well, perhaps some day you shall see the 
portrait. So she is forgiven ? 

Sylvester. 

[ Holding out bis band. ] Most heartily. 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Taking bis band. J And her brother for her sake ? 



The LADY URSULA 51 

Sylvester. 
Oh, the lesser sinner with the greater. [ Tbey shake bands. ] 

Lady Ursula. 

And am I forgiven ? 

Sylvester. 
Why, where' s your offence ? 

Lady Ursula. 

In wearying you so long. 

Sylvester. 

You are forgiven for your wit — and — well, for that pretty leg 
of yours. Blushing again ! Pray imitate that sort of coyness 
which is your sister's. 

Lady Ursula. 

I'm nearer to it than you think — and than my appearance 

proves. 

Sylvester. 

Pray, where is your sister ? We are friends now ? 

Lady Ursula. 

With all my heart and all my gratitude. 

Sylvester. 
Then take me to her. 

Lady Ursula. 
Take you to her ? 

Sylvester. 
Yes — at Lord Hassenden's. We shall find Blimboe there, and 
you and he shall witness my apology. 

Lady Ursula. 

I — I can't take you to her. She's — she's 



52 r^ ADVENTURE 5/ 

Sylvester. 
[ Slapping her on the shoulder. ] Come, come ; she wasn't un- 
willing to see me before. 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Confused. ] No, she's — she's not unwilling to see you, no, 

in no way, sir. But she's — she's — Oh, she's gone to town 

with my brother. 

Sylvester. 

To town with ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Yes — and — and — I — I must follow her at once. Indeed, 
I've stayed too long already. 

Sylvester. 
For your convenience perhaps, not for my pleasure. As for 
Lady Ursula 

[ Enter Mills, R. ] 

Mills. 

Do you wish the chaise to wait any longer, Sir George ? Are 
you going to town ? 

Sylvester. 

Going to town ? Yes, I'm going to town. But your chaise is 
here, Mr. Barrington ? 

Lady Ursula. 

[Puzzled.] Yes. 

Sylvester. 

And you go to town ? [ Ursula hesitates. ] You said as much 

this instant. 

Lady Ursula. 

Oh, yes — I — I'm going to town. 



1^ LADY URSULA 53 
Sylvester. 

[ Catching her arm.] By Heaven, we'll go together ! To- 
gether we'll seek your brother and end this silly quarrel. Thank 
God, it's done ! I always hated it. And then — why, then 
we'll beg to see your sister — she shall not deny it or I'll fall into 
a most damnable faint ! And we'll obtain leave to do as we will 
with that likeness of hers in your wardrobe. Come, what say 
you ? [ Ursula hesitates. ] Oh, we're friends now — you can't 
refuse ! [ To Mills. ] \ Put my chaise back, Mills — I ride with 
Mr. Barrington. [ Ursula sinks into her chair. ~\ Why, are you 
fainting now? [Laughs.] There's no need; you're in the 
house already. 

Lady Ursula. 
Thank you — I — I'm very well. For a moment I felt 

Sylvester. 
Faint, eh ? Gad, Mr. Barrington, it's in the family ! Are you 
well enough to drive with me ? If not, pray rest here to-night. 
Indeed I shall be honoured. I'll postpone my journey and keep 

you company. 

Lady Ursula. 

No, no — I 

Sylvester. 
Pray let me bid them prepare a room 



Lady Ursula. 

No, no, not for the world ! Indeed, sir 

Sylvester. 
Call me Sylvester. 

Lady Ursula. 
Indeed — Sylvester — with all my thanks to you — I would 
rather go with you to town than — than stay here with you. 



54 f^ ADVENTURE o/ 

Sylvester. 
You don't love my house so much as your sister does ? Well, 
I forgive you — no doubt you have business. [ Pours out wine. J 
Drink a glass of wine while you wait, for I must beg a quarter-of- 
an-hour in which to change my dress. [ To Mills. ] Mr. Bar- 
rington's chaise in twenty minutes. 

Mills. 

Yes, Sir George. [ Goes off, R. J 

Sylvester. 

[ To Ursula who sits by table in bewilderment. ] I'll lose no 
time. [ Going to her.~\ On my soul, Barrington, I'm rejoiced 
that the affair ends so happily. [ Going R.] I wouldn't have 
killed your brother for — [ Pauses arid laughs, j — why, even for 
the sake of the likeness in the wardrobe. I'll be with you directly. 
[Goes off, R. A Pause. U rsula sits still a moment. ^\ 
Lady Ursula. 

[Springing up.~\ Ends happily ! Heaven help me, it ends 
neither happily nor at all ! I must go to London with him, must 
I ? — Seek my brother with him, find my brother with him ? — 
Seek my sister with him, find my sister with him ? Or if I make 
my escape and go home, why, he'll get first to Frank, and tell 
Frank — Oh, and tell Frank that Walter has a pretty leg ! WhaL 
shall I do ? Another time every man in the world shall kill every 
other before on their account I put on what I wear now ! [ Takes 
up cloak a?id wraps it round ber.~\ Yet I wouldn't have Frank 

hurt [ Smiles. J No, nor Sir George — nor Sir George. What 

was that he said ? A handsome face — a good shape — Oh, he'll 
be back ! I won't wait for him. I'll go now — to London, to 
Frank. I must tell Frank myself. Sir George's chaise is put back 
— I shall have ten minutes start [ Runs L. ] I must get first 



The LADY URSULA 55 

to Frank. Quilton, Quilton ! [ Reaches door, L. At that moment 
Blimboe enters ; they almost come into collision. ] 

Blimboe. 

Sir — I — I beg your pardon. 

Lady Ursula. 

[Hastily.'] Oh, I'm to blame. [ Wraps cloak half way over 

her face.] Your servant, sir, your servant. [Bows and goes off 

hastily. ] 

Blimboe. 

[ Coming down.] Who's that, I wonder ! Sir George has had 

a visitor — one not over-eager to stay long, it seems ! And where 

is Sir George ? [ Enter Mills, R., carrying Sylvester's cloak and 

hat.] Who was that gentleman, Mills ? 

Mills. 

The gentleman, sir? [Looks round.] Why, where in the 
devil's name is he ? 

Blimboe. 

If you leave the devil alone, perhaps he'll leave you alone, Mills. 

The gentleman ran out as I came in — he was in haste, as it 

appeared. 

Mills. 
Ran out ? 

Blimboe. 

At his top-speed. [ Mills runs up L. ] Who was he ? Why, 
where are you running to ? 

Mills. 
[ Pausing. ] He was to go to London with Sir George. 

Blimboe. 

If he goes as fast all the way, Sir George mustn't linger. Mills, 
Mills ! [ Mills shakes his head, points with his finger, and runs 



56 rif ADVENTURE «/ 

off, L. Enter Sylvester, R., in the black suit. He looks round 
with surprise. ] 

Sylvester. 

You back, Blimboe ? You're early. But where' s Mr. Barring - 

ton ? 

Blimboe. 

Mr. Barrington ? 

Sylvester. 

Yes, yes — Walter Barrington. He was to carry me to London 

in his chaise. 

Blimboe. 

Walter Barrington ? Why, he's 

Sylvester. 
[ Impatiently. ] Yes, man, Walter Barrington — Hassenden's 
brother and — and Lady Ursula's. The quarrel's made up — I'll 
tell you about that another time — it's a pretty story. But where 
is the boy ? Oh, no doubt Mills has taken him to a dressing- 
room, to put a touch to his hair or to wash his 

Blimboe. 

No, Sir George, no. Mills hasn't [Enter Mills, L., 

still carrying cloak and bat. J 

Sylvester. 

Well, Mills, where' s Mr. Barrington ? Is he ready ? 

Mills. 

[Putting down cloak and bat. ] He's gone, Sir George. 

Sylvester. 

Gone ? Gone ? Where to ? How, when, why ? 

Mills. 

To town, as I judge, Sir George, by the turn they took ; in his 



7^ LADY URSULA 57 

chaise, Sir George — at a gallop, Sir George — but why, G?J«t 
knows, Sir George. 

Sylvester. 

Did he leave no explanation ? 

Mills. 



No, Sir George. 
No message ? 
No, Sir George. 
No apology ? 



Sylvester. 

Mills. 
Sylvester. 



Mills. 

No, Sir George. [ Sylvester sinks into a chair, R. ] Can I 
do anything, Sir George ? 

Sylvester. 

Yes — go [Mills goes, L.~\ Go to the devil after Mr. 

Barrington. 

Mills. 

[Alarmed. ] Yes, Sir George. [ Goes off, L.~\ 

Blimboe. 

My dear friend, what's the meaning of this ? Who is this Mr. 

Walter 

Sylvester. 

[Jumping up. ] Why, he's the impudent brother of an impu- 
dent sister — and I'll be revenged on both of them. [Blimboe 
sits. Sylvester walks about the stage. ] You should have heard 
him ! So pretty in his pleading, so anxious for a reconciliation, so 
friendly, so cordial in his sentiments ! We were to go to town 
together — to seek Hassenden together — to meet Lady Ursula — 
Oh, a plague on all the family ! — together And — now 



58 The ADVENTURE of 

he leaves me in the lurch — without a word, without excuse. I've 
done with his brother, but I'll be revenged on him. By my soul, 
I won't be made a fool of by all the family in turn. 

B L I M B O E. 

Stop, stop ! \_Rises. ] My dear Sir George, by talking so fast 
you exhaust yourself without informing me. You say this gentle- 
man was Mr. Walter Barrington ? 

Sylvester. 

[ Impatiently. J Yes, yes. [Flings himself into chair R. $f 

table. ] 

B L I M B O E. 

But Mr. Walter Barrington is still abroad. 

Sylvester. 

No, no ; he arrived home to-day — and came over from Lord 
Hassenden's to see me. 

B L I M B O E. 

Hum. [Sits L. of table. ] That's not what is thought at Lord 
Hassenden's. They believe him to be still in France. Mrs. 
Fenton told me so herself. 

Sylvester. 

What ? Still in France ? Does Lady Ursula But I 

forgot ; you haven't seen Lady Ursula. 

B L I M BOE. 

No, she was 

Sylvester. 

I know — she was gone to London with Lord Hassenden. 

B LI M BOE. 

To London ? No, no, my dear friend ; you're mistaken, in- 



J 1 ^ LADY URSULA 59 

deed you are. Lady Ursula hasn't gone to London with her 
brother, but to bed with a headache. 

Sylvester. 

What ? What's that you say ? 

B LI M BOE. 

I say only what Miss Fenton and her aunt both told me, as an 
excuse for the lady's absence. 

Sylvester. 

Well, I've been made a fool again, and by a boy without a hair 
on his chin. Ah, if you want a duel, you shall have it now, 
friend Blimboe — aye, though he is Lady Ursula's brother ! 

B LI M BOE. 
Though he's 

Sylvester. 

Yes, yes. 1 have no more anger against her. He's my game 
now. 

Blimboe. 

But he's in France. 

Sylvester. 

Nonsense, man. Do the ladies always know where the men of 
the house are ? 

Blimboe. 

It seems that here they don't know even where the ladies of the 
house are. For certainly Lady Ursula cannot be both in bed with 
a headache and gone to London with her brother. [ A fame. ] 

Sylvester. 

It's mysterious. Pray, Blimboe, what do you think ? 

Blimboe. 

Oh, I know nothing of the ways of women. 



60 The ADVENTURE of 
Sylvester. 

Hum. I thought I knew everything. [ Rises. ] Oh, but it 
can't be ! It's absurd ! 

Blimboe. 

[ Jumping up.~\ What's absurd ? 

Sylvester. 

By Gad, he blushed ; he blushed when 

Blimboe. 

When what ? [Enter Mills, L. He comes down, holding 

small lace handkerchief in his band, and comes C. Turns to 

Blimboe. ] 

Mills. 

Mr. Blimboe, sir, is this your handkerchief? [Holds it up.~\ 

Blimboe. 

My handkerchief ? That ? No. [ Takes from pocket a very 
large bandanna and holds it up. ] This is my handkerchief. 

Mills. 

[To Sylvester.] Is it yours, Sir George ? 

Sylvester. 

No. [ Takes out a large but fine handkerchief and holds it up. ] 
Here is my handkerchief. 

Mills. 
And certainly it is not mine, Sir George. 

Blimboe. 

[ Examining it. ] It looks like — like what I conceive might be 
a — lady's handkerchief. 

Sylvester. 
Let's see. [Snatches and examines it. ] Yes, a lady's ! Per- 



r^ LADY URSULA 61 

haps one of the trifles in his wardrobe which that puppy sometimes 

wears. 

B L I M B O E. 

[Pointing. ] Ah, isn't that a mark on the corner ? 

Sylvester. 
What ? Where ? Yes, it's a mark. The Barrington crest. 

B L I M B O E. 

And no name i 

Sylvester. 

[ Looking again, then crushing handkerchief in his band and hesi- 
tating. J No — no — no name. Good-night, Blimboe, good- 
night. Mills, my chaise at once ! [ Mills goes off, L. Syl- 
vester goes up L., puts on hat and takes cloak. ] 

Blimboe. 

You'll tell me 

Sylvester. 

[ Coming down. ~\ What ? [ Looks again covertly at handker- 
chief. ] 

Blimboe. 

If you find out anything. 

Sylvester. 

Yes, yes. [ Blimboe goes R. ] Good-night — the Barrington 

crest and 

Blimboe. 

Good-night. [ Goes off, R. ] 

Sylvester. 

The Barrington crest — and, by Heaven, Ursula ! Does he 
carry his sister's handkerchief? Mills, the chaise, the chaise! 
What else is there in that wardrobe ? Mills, I say, Mills ! [ Enter 
Mills, L. ] 



62 The ADVENTURE, &c. 

Mills. 

The chaise, Sir George ? In an instant, Sir George. Shall I 
take charge of the handkerchief ? 

Sylvester. 

" o, no. I'll keep the handkerchief. The chaise, deuce take 
- ou, sir, the chaise ! [ Mills goes off, L. Sylvester goes L. — 
stops — turns, holds up handkerchief and laughs. ] Another duel, 
then ! And this time — I choose the weapons, Lady Ursula ! 

CURTAIN 





ACT III 

Ten p.m. Lord Hassenden's lodgings in London, 
near St. James* Palace. A door up R. L. C. a 
table set with dessert and decanters. H as senden 
sits at bead, on his R. Dent, L. Castleton. 
Clifford, Devereux and Ward round the 
table. 'They are drinking. Hassenden is in 
full uniform. Dent in private dress. The rest 
in undress or mess uniform. As curtain rises, 
Hassenden gets up. 




Hassenden. 
RAY, gentlemen, don't disturb yourselves. The 
evening is young, and although duty calls me 
away, I should grieve to spoil your entertainment. 
[Dent ba/f rises. ] No, I insist. [Presses bim 
back into bis seat. ] 

Dent. 

But how long is your guard ? 

Hassenden. 

Till twelve o'clock. 

Ward. 
By gad, we'll wait for you. Won't we, Castleton ? 



64 J 1 ^ ADVENTURE «/ 



Castleton. 

With all my heart — if his cellar holds out against our attack. 

Clifford. ^fC> ~*jj% 

We'll make a breach in its walls ! 

Hassenden. 

No, no, you mustn't wait — I shan't be returning. I have 
ordered my horse to be ready for me at the door of the guard-room, 
and I shall ride direct to Edgware. 

Devereux. 

To Edgware ? 

Clifford. 

To-night ? 

Hassenden. 

Without disrespect to you, friends, I have reasons for wishing 
to return home at once. 

Devereux. 

The usual reason, Hassenden ? 

Dent. 

We can guess it, eh ? A lady ? [ They laugb. ] 

Hassenden. 

Yes, a lady — the lady whom I hope soon to present to you as 
Lady Hassenden. 

Clifford. 

Oh, your pardon, your pardon ! 

Hassenden. 
She is our guest now. 

Dent. 
You're well excused, then, and we mustn't press you to rejoin us. 



The LADY URSULA 65 

Hassenden. 

And, as you know, Castleton, I have a special reason for wish- 
ing to see her as soon as possible to-morrow. [Goes down, R., to 
fetch bis bat wbicb lies on a small table. ] 

Castleton. 

I know, Frank, I know. [Rises and follows him down, leaving 
the rest drinking and talking. ] Come now, Frank, entrust this 
matter to me. I'm your friend and his. He comes to my lodg- 
ings to-morrow morning — perhaps even to-night. Let me say 
something to him in your name. Believe me, he will be eager for 
a reconciliation ; his reputation makes it easy for him to meet you 

half way. 

Hassenden. 

Yes, but impossible for me to travel my half of the road. I'm 
obliged to you, Jack, sincerely obliged — but I must pay my debts 
— and my sister's. Nothing can be done — the affair must go 
on. [Looks at watch — then hastily.] My hour's past. Good- 
night, Jack. [ Shakes bis hand. Goes up, R. ] Good-night, 

friends, good-night ! 

All at the table. 
Good-night, good-night. [ Hassenden goes off, R. Castleton 
goes to table, sits, and takes wine. ] 

Dent. 

Our host seems anxious — at least not in his usual spirits. 

Castleton. 

He has a troublesome affair on hand. 

Devereux. 

An affair ? Of this sort ? [ Imitating fencing. ] 

Castleton. 

I'll tell you nothing ; I still hope that it may be arranged. 



66 7^ ADVENTURE «/ 
Ward. 

At least, Jack, let's have no Joicey and Mc Arthur over here. 
It's well enough for the Irish, but, in faith, in a Christian country 
— it's nothing but sheer murder. 

Dent. 

Murder ! No, no, Ward. It's a pretty taking of an even 
chance — a very gentlemanly throw with fortune. And it has a 
very fine excitement in it. 

Devereux. 

It kills one man for certain — that's praise enough in Dent's eyes. 

Dent. 

If you fight across the table, and load both pistols, why I grant 
you it's murder, and that in an indiscriminate fashion. But with 
one pistol empty, come, you'll allow that it's a nice test of a gentle- 
man's coolness and so should be countenanced ? 

Clifford. 

So long as my countenance is not pressed into the service, have 

it as you will. 

Castleton. 

Ah, Dent, you'd shoot your own brother with pleasure if only 
the affair was conducted in proper form. 

Dent. 

[ Earnestly. ] On my life I wouldn't — not without full cause. 

^ — Clifford. 

As — for example ? 

Dent. 

Well, that he spoke ill of a lady I affected. 

Ward. 

Or that he affected a lady you spoke ill of? 



The LADY URSULA 67 

Devereux. 

Or that a lady you affected, affected him ? 

Dent. 

Oh, faith, there are reasons enough, if you start on them. 

Castleton. 

What ? For a man to shoot his brother ? 

Dent. 

Even his brother. A gentleman should not, in his relations 
towards another gentleman, presume on the accident of kinship. 
I don't hold His Majesty's Commission, as you do, gentlemen. 
But I'll defend my honour, even against my brother. 

Castleton. 

Have you a brother ? 

Dent. 

No. 

Castleton. 

Thank doer \ We're saved a tragedy. 

Devereux. 

[ Laughing. ] A brother-in-law, perhaps ? 
Ward. 

That was the relationship between Joicey and McArthur. 

Dent. 

There, sir, you touch on the one unpleasant aspect of the case. 

Clifford. 

Yes, I don't like that. They had been close friends, too. 

Dent. 

Sir Robert Clifford misunderstands me. I mean, there is a 
natural hostility between a man and his wife's family 



68 7^ ADVENTURE a/ 

All. 

[ Laughing. ] Oh, oh ! 

Dent. 

Which imparts to the affair an ugly look of premeditation. On 
my soul, in the circumstances, I shouldn't have been surprised if 
the Grand Jury had found a true hill ! But we'll hope for the 
best, and indeed I'm told, as Sir Robert says, that the gentlemen 
had been close friends. 

Castleton. , — »- 

Ah, aye, we'll hope; we'll hope McArthur loved Joicey con- 
sumedly before he shot him, and wept on his grave afterwards. 
[ Enter a Servant. ] Well ? 

Servant. 

I beg pardon, sir. I thought that my lord was here. 

Castleton. 
No, he's gone on guard. Is he inquired for ? 

Servant. 
There's a gentleman asking for him, sir. 

Castleton. 

Why doesn't the gentleman come in ? 

Clifford. 

Aye, let him come in. 

Servant. 

When I told him that my lord entertained company, he declined 

to come in, sir. 

Dent. 

Hum ! Well, if you didn't tell him who we were 

Servant. 
I did not, sir. 



The LADY URSULA 69 
Dent. 

Then there's no offence, I suppose. What's his name ? 

Servant. 

The gentleman will not give his name, sir. 

Ward. 

[ Jumping up. ] Oh, a plague on the fellow's mystery ! Come, 
shall we have him in ? 

Devereux. 

[Jumping up.~\ Aye, let's have him in. We'll have sport 
with him. 

Clifford. 

[Jumping up. ~] I'm with you. Come along. [ Ward, Dev- 
ereux and Clifford run off laughing. Servant lets tbem go by 
and follows tbem off. ] 

Dent. 

Yet on consideration there is something churlish in his conduct. 

Yes, yes ! It is, indeed it is, a reflection on our host. For a slur 

on his company is a slur on his friends, and a slur on a man's 

friends is a slur on a man himself — and a slur on a man — on a 

gentleman 

CA STL ETON. 

Oh, without doubt Hassenden must run him through the heart ! 

You've proved it by the book, Dent, and without a flaw. [A 

slight scuffle and cries of " Come along, sir, come with us," are heard 

off R. ] What's going on there ? [ Enter Ward, Devereux and 

Clifford dragging Ursula on. She comes reluctantly, but they 

bring her to the table and make her sit down at the head. ] 

Ward. 

Come, sir, we're wiser for you than you would be for yourself. 
Here's good company and good wine. Let me pour you a glass. 
[ They sit. ] 



7 o T h e A D V E N T U R E of 
Lady Ursula. 

But, gentlemen, I — I — have pressing business with Lord 
Hassenden. 

Clifford. 

He's on guard, sir. You can't see him now. 

Devereux. 
And after that he goes direct to Edgware. 

Lady Ursula. 
To Edgware ? [ Tries to rise. ] 

Ward. 

No, no, you mustn't break away from us like that. [Presses 
ber back into her seat.~\ 

Dent. 

[ To Ursula.] You shall do as you will, presently, sir, but 
for the moment we must constrain you. 

Ward. 

You can't be so uncivil as to leave us immediately. 

Lady Ursula. 

But, gentlemen 

Dent. 

No, no ! Let me present the company. Here is Mr. Castle- 
ton — Mr. Ward — Sir Robert Clifford — Mr. Devereux — all 
of His Majesty's Guards. I, sir, am called Dent, and am very 
much at your service for every purpose except to show you the 
door. [ All rise and bow — Ursula rises and bows nervously. 
They sit again. A pause. ~\ Will you honour us with your name, 
sir ? 

Lady Ursula. 

My — my business being secret, my name had best be secret, 
too. [ All except Castleton and LTrsula exchange glances. ] 



r^ LADY URSULA 71 
Dent. 

As you will, sir. I may, however, point out to you that you 
are among men of honour. 

Castleton. 

Oh, drink your wine, Dent, and never mind your honour. 

Lady Ursula. 

[ To Dent. J Indeed I don't doubt it, sir. 

Dent. 

Mr. Castleton, I am not accustomed to forget my honour. [ To 
Ursula.] And a secret told to men of honour is more, not less, 
of a secret than before. Is it not so, gentlemen ? 

Clifford and Dent. 

Yes, yes. 

Ward. 

Dent's right ; it is certainly so. 

Castleton. 

Nonsense, say I ! A man's name is his own, to give or to 
withhold. [ To Ursula. ] A glass of wine with you, sir. 

Lady Ursula. 

I must beg you to excuse me ; I will not drink to-night. 

Dent. 

The gentleman is not companionable. He joined us only under 

compulsion, he will not trust us with his name, he will not drink 

with us. 

Lady Ursula. 

On my word, gentlemen, I mean no offence — none in the 
world. 

Dent. 

Then give me leave to observe, sir, that your behavior might be 
better matched than it is with vour intentions. 



7 2 7^ ADVENTURE «/ 
Castleton. 

On my life, this shall go no further ! Come, gentlemen, a 
toast ! I'll give you one that we should drink under this roof. 
Pray, Dent, no quarrels to-night ! 

Dent. 

As you will. The gentleman is young and perhaps errs through 
ignorance. 

Lady Ursula. 

I own, sir, there is room for me to grow wiser. 

Ward. 

Your toast, Jack, your toast ! 

Devereux. 

Yes, the toast ! 

Castleton. 

[Rising.] Here it is — Our host's sister, the beautiful Ursula 
Barrington ! We'll drink her now ; if what they say is true, all 
the town will drink her soon. Come, bumpers ! 

Clifford. 

Aye, bumpers — and standing, gendemen ! [All stand. Ward 
Jills Ursula's glass. She looks at him a moment and then stands up. _"] 

All. 

[Except Ursula. J The beautiful Ursula Barrington ! [They 
hold up glasses and are prepared to drink. ] 

Dent. 

[ To Ursula.] You don't drink, sir ! On my faith now, to 
refuse a toast 

Lady Ursula. 

[Hurriedly lifting glass. J Indeed, sir — I — I drink very will- 
ingly now, sir. [ Raises glass. ] The beautiful Ursula Barrington ! 



The LADY URSULA 73 
All. 

Ursula Barrington ! [ They drink and then sit again. ] 

Dent. 

Though in plain truth, and saving your presence, Castleton, I'm 
told that the young lady is nothing out of the common. 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Startled. ] Nothing out of the [ All turn and look at 

her. She stops in confusion.] 

Dent. 

You had heard otherwise, sir ? 

Lady Ursula. 

I — I — indeed I have some reason to 

Castleton. 

So in faith have I. Why, Dent, her hair ! 

Dent. 

There's none too much of it, and when not powdered it has, I 
am assured, a plain touch of red ! 

Lady Ursula. 
[ Low. ] Red ! 

Ward. 
Oh, oh ! 

Clifford. 

He'll allow merit to nobody. 

Castleton. 

But her cheek ■ 

Dent. 

Like the milk maid's in a frost. Too much colour for the taste 
of the town, believe me. 



74 r^ ADVENTURE «/ 
Castleton. 

Nay, then, her mouth 

Devereux. 

Grant him her mouth, Dent, for pity's sake ! 

Dent. 

Truth is truth — and her mouth is, I believe, for all the world 
like a leg of mutton with a slice cut out ! 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Low. ] Oh ! 

Ward. 

[ To Castleton. ] Another feature, Jack ! You're not bank- 
rupt yet. 

Castleton. 

Then her nose ! 

Dent. 

I grant you — I concede her nose. It is very pious — it points 
the straight way to heaven. 

Castleton. 

Oh, a plague on his concessions ! Well, then, her eyes 

Devereux. 

She has nothing else left — so pray be merciful, Dent. 

Dent. 

One I admit is well enough. 

Ward and Clifford. 
[ Laughing. ] One ! 

Lady Ursula. 
[ Low. ] One ! 

Dent. 

But the other admires its fellow so intemperately that it is forever 



7^ LADY URSULA 75 

trying to see it across her nose. [ Turning to Ursula. ] In plain 
English, she squints, sir, like a Turk. 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Jumping up. ] Oh, I'll not endure it ! It's a calumny ! 

Dent. 

You are acquainted with the lady we speak of, sir ? 

Lady Ursula. 

\^ Confused. ] No, no — I — I'm not acquainted with her. 
No — I never saw her in my life. 

Dent. 

Then let me observe, sir, that you do ill to accuse me of calumny 
when you know nothing to the contrary of what I say. 

Ward. 
[ Low, to Clifford.] He'll have his quarrel yet. 

Clifford. 

Oh, he won't be baulked of that. 

Dent. 

[ To Ursula.] You mark my words, sir ? 

Lady Ursula. 

I care not. I know it is a calumny. 

Castleton. 

Why, so do I — the merest calumny. It's told by some jealous 
woman or some disappointed suitor. 

Dent. 

[ Rising. ] You, Castleton, are allowed a liberty which this 
gentleman, a stranger, can hardly claim. [ To Ursula.] Sir, do 
you repeat that what I say is calumny ? 



76 The ADVENTURE of 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Indignantly. ] Yes, I do. Of the rest I say nothing ; but 
she does not squint. 

Dent. 

[ Shrugging his shoulders. ] I say she does ; and since I say 
she does — and you say she doesn't — why, sir, you say that I 
lie. [ Ursula starts back. All jump up. ] 

Castleton. 

No, no ! In heaven's name, Dent 

Dent. 

X Going down, R.] I won't be interfered with. [ To Ursula, 
who has come to C. ] Do you say I lie, sir ? 

Lady Ursula. 

I — I say — she doesn't squint. 

Dent. 

[ To Ward, Clifford and Devereux, who have come down, L., 
and stand together.'] Gentlemen, I appeal to you ! 

Clifford. 

That is — he says you lie ; for calumny, I take it, is but Latin 
for lie. 

Lady Ursula. 

I protest — I protest Indeed, you twist my words. 

Devereux. 

What other meaning is there in the words ? 

Ward. 

And he has repeated them three times. [ Taking a step to 
Ursula. ] You know, sir, what is usual among gentlemen ? 

Lady Ursula. 
I — I don't understand 



The LADY URSULA yj 
Castleton. 

In heaven's name, are we to quarrel over such a trifle ? 

Dent. 

The matter has gone too far for your intervention, Mr. Castle- 
ton. [ He crosses to L. and whispers an instant to Ward. Castle- 
ton catches Ursula by the arm and draws her to R., speaking in 
her ear. She is bewildered. Dent turns. ] I understand the 

gentleman persists ? Then [ Shrugs his shoulders. All stand 

looking at Ursula. A pause. ] 

Castleton. 

I'll have no part in this. The gentleman has given no sufficient 
offence. 

Dent. 

Say you so ? That plea shall not serve. If there is not offence 
enough, why, here is more. [ He draws a glove from his pocket and 
advances towards Ursula, intending to strike ber in the face with it. 
She stands still. ] Do you understand this, sir ? [ He raises his 
hand. As he does so, a servant enters. They hear him. All look 
round, except Ursula, who stands rigid. Dent arrests his blow. ] 

Servant. 
Sir George Sylvester. [ Enter Sylvester. Servant lets him 
pass and then goes off, after a curious look round on the scene. J 

Lady Ursula. 
[ Low. ] Sir George Sylvester ! 

Castleton. 
What ? George ! You here — at Hassenden's ! 

Sylvester. 

Yes. I am here — at Lord Hassenden's. If you require an 
explanation, I will give it later. For the present — I am here 



78 The ADVENTURE of 

seeking a certain gentleman [ Sees Ursula and comes down, 

C. , facing her ; Dent draws back a little, L. ] Ah, there I see 
him ! f Takes off his hat, bows to Ursula, and flings hat on the 
table. ~\ Your servant, sir. [ Ursula does not move. ] I must 
trouble you with a word on a matter which you can have no diffi- 
culty in guessing, Mr. Barrington. 

All. 
Mr. Barrington ! Barrington ! 

Sylvester. 

[ Smiling. ] Hasn't Mr. Barrington announced himself? I have 
pleasure in performing that office for him. Gentlemen, Mr. Walter 
Barrington, Lord Hassenden's brother. 

Dent. 

Now, by heaven, I may put my glove back in my pocket — 
there's no need of further offence now. Look you, gentlemen. By 
the concealment, the wilful concealment, of his name, he has 
betrayed me — me, a man of breeding — into speaking disparag- 
ingly of a lady in the presence of her brother ! [Coming C, to 
Sylvester. ] Pray give me leave, Sir George ! 

Sylvester. 
[ Not moving.'] Give you leave, Mr. Dent ? I'm so unfor- 
tunate as not to understand you. 

Dent. 

Oh, it's plain enough — and but for your coming the matter 
would have been well advanced by now. [Indicating Ursula.] 
I have a quarrel with this gentleman. 

Sylvester. 
Gad, that's strange. So have I ! 

Lady Ursula. 

What ? Must I fight both of you ? 



r^ LADY URSULA 79 

Dent. 

[ To Sylvester. ] When I tell you of my cause for offence 
which arose just now 

Sylvester. 
Pardon me. I have no leisure to hear it. Whatever it be, I 
claim precedence. My quarrel arose earlier in the evening — at 
my own house at Edgware. 

Lady Ursula. 

At Edgware ! A quarrel at Edgware ? 

Dent. 

I am very reluctant to yield to you, Sir George. And I thought 
you had sworn to go out no more. 

Sylvester. 
There are things which a man cannot endure. Let me tell you. 

Dent. 

In truth, I don't like this. Coming after you, I'm likely to 
find an opponent not worth a thrust. I'm convinced, sir, that my 
quarrel makes up in gravity what it lacks in seniority. 

Sylvester. 
No, no ; I insist on my seniority. 

Castleton. 

But, George, your quarrel is not with Mr. Barrington here, 

but with 

Sylvester. 

By your leave, Jack, I say it is with Mr. Barrington. You shall 

hear. 

Lady Ursula. 

Pray let me hear — for I vow I know of no quarrel. 



80 The ADVENTURE o/ 

Ward, Clifford and Devereux. 

Yes, let's hear. 

Dent. 

What the plague, Castleton, is it your business to spoil every 

quarrel ? 

Ward. 

Now let's hear Sylvester. 

Sylvester. 

Mr. Barrington shall correct me if I err in any particular. At 
my house at Edgware to-day this gentleman presented himself. 
He came on important business. Is it not so, sir ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Yes, it is so. 

Sylvester. 
Our conversation was long, and it was friendly. Is it not so, sir ? 

Lady Ursula. 
Yes. 

Castleton. 

Friendly ? Why, then, George 

Sylvester. 
\Smiling."\ No, no, Jack. Pray keep him quiet, gentlemen. , 
|T Castleton crosses to Ward, who whispers to him. Castleton 
makes a sign of discontent. J At the end of our conference, it ap- 
peared that Mr. Barrington was proceeding to London. I was to 
go next day — to Jack Castleton' s here. But for the pleasure of 
his company I changed my plans. Mark me, for his sake I changed 

my plans. 

Dent. 

I mark that, Sir George. Faith, it may be a fact of great moment. 

Sylvester. 
His chaise was at the door. I proposed to ride with him. Gen- 



7^ LADY URSULA 81 

tlemen, he accepted my proposal with cordiality — with great 
cordiality. Is it not so, sir ? 

Lady Ursula. 

I — I can deny none of it. 

Sylvester. 

Thus we were to go. Then I begged a few minutes in which 
to change my dress and make myself fit for his distinguished com- 
pany. He agreed readily. I went, leaving him in my dining- 
room. [A pause. ] Gendemen, I am at your disposal. Pray 
listen. When I returned, Mr. Barrington was gone ! 

All. 
[ Except Ursula. ] Gone ! 

Sylvester. 

Gone — run off — without a word — an explanadon — an 
apology — an excuse. I was left in the lurch, a misguided fool 
— while he went up to town, laughing at me ! 

Ward. 
Monstrous ! 

Lady Ursula. 

I — I did not laugh. 

Dent. 

The denial is limited — very strictly limited. He went — but 
he did not laugh. 

Devereux. 

A great palliation, truly ! 

Clifford. 

Palliation ! Nay, it seems to me that it aggravates his offence. 

Dent. 

True, true. It shows that the act was no mere whim, but a 
deliberate premeditated insult. 



82 7^ ADVENTURE 0/ 

Sylvester. 
What say you, gentlemen ? Have I a good cause of quarrel ? 

Devereux. 

A rank affront ! 

Ward. 
I never heard worse. 

Clifford. 

You can't sit down under it, Sir George. 

Dent. 

Faith, it's a better quarrel than my own. I'll not give up my 
rights, but I'll yield you precedence, hang me if I won't. 

Castleton. 
But, Mr. Barrington, surely you have some explanation, some 
excuse to offer to Sir George ? 

Lady Ursula. 
None. None that I can give. 

Sylvester. 

[ Advancing a step towards her and smiling. ] Have you none, 
sir ? No plea to disarm my resentment ? 

Lady Ursula. 
No, I have none. 

Dent. 

He's utterly intractable. 

Sylvester. 

You're sure, sir ? No explanation, no excuse ? 

Lady Ursula. 
Neither, sir. 

Dent. 

Then the course is plain. We waste time in talking. 



7^ LADY URSULA 83 
Sylvester. 

Still one moment, please ! I want to ask Mr. Barrington — 
this gentleman here — one question — before you all. 

Dent. 

Sir George, at the stage we have reached, is it regular 

Sylvester. 

Forgive me. The position is — peculiar. [ To Ursula. ] If 
you and I were alone, sir, would you give any excuse which you 
will not give before others ? 

Lady Ursula. 
There is no excuse that I would or could give to you, Sir George. 

Dent. 

Then the affair goes on ! 

Clifford and Devereux. 

Undoubtedly. 

Ward. 

To-morrow morning, I suppose ? 

Lady Ursula. 
No. [ They turn to ber. ] If I must fight, I will fight. But 
I can't fight to-morrow. 

Dent. 

Oh, take your time. The next day, then ? 

Lady Ursula. 
No. If I fight at all, I fight here and now. [ A movement of 
the rest. ] 

Castleton. 
What ? Here ? Now ? 

Dent. 

Irregular ! Most irregular ! 



84 r^ ADVENTURE o/ 

Lady Ursula. 
I am challenged. Haven't I choice of time and place ? 

Castleton. 
Oh, if you insist. And neither of you are in the Service. 

Ward. 

We shouldn't venture to fight in such a fashion. 

Dent. 

Clear the room, then. Have that table back. [Devereux, 
Clifford and Ward go to table and take bold of it preparatory to 
moving it. ] Shall I act for you, Sir George ? And perhaps Castle- 
ton 

Lady Ursula. 

Pray don't move the table in that way, gentlemen. [ The three 

look round at her. ] Into the middle of the room, please. [ Goes C. ] 

Here, if you please. 

Castleton. 

The middle of the room ? It will be in your way, Mr. Bar- 

rington. 

Lady Ursula. 

No. It will be between us. 

Dent. 

Between you ? The deuce ! You fight with swords, I take it, sir? 

Lady Ursula. 
I beg that Mr. Castleton, if he acts for me, will stipulate that 
we fight with pistols. 

Sylvester. 

[ Startled.] Pistols ! 

Dent. 

Well — Mr. Barrington is the challenged party. 



The LADY URSULA 85 

Ward. 

I don't like pistols in the dining-room. 

Dent. 

Nor I. But — Hassenden has duelling pistols, I know. Castle- 
ton, I shall need your help. 

Castleton. 

In what ? 

Dent. 

In loading the pistols. 

Lady Ursula. 
In loading one of them. [ Sylvester starts. All look at her. ] 
In loading one of them. You force me to fight Sir George Syl- 
vester. I will fight in my own way. Set the table between us 
and load one pistol. We will fight as Colonel Joicey and Mr. 

McArthur fought. 

Sylvester. 
What ? 

Lady Ursula. 

The table between us, and one pistol loaded, sir. 

Sylvester. 

Good God ! [ He looks intently at her. She smiles. The rest 
whisper together. A pause. ] 

Lady Ursula. 

Thus, sir, our skill will be equal — and our chances. Do you 
quarrel with that ? 

Dent. 

Faith, sir, I don't. And now you shall see, gentlemen, that I 
was right, and that such an affair makes a pretty spectacle. 

Castleton. 
It's murder, damned murder. 



86 r^ ADVENTURE 0/ 
Lady Ursula. 

Let those who urged on the quarrel reckon with that. 

Sylvester. 
[ To Dent. ] Jbf*Q&& — I meant only to disarm him — if he 
fought at all. 

Dent. 

Aye, but you're in for something more now. Gad, I'm no 
coward, but I begin to regret less my courtesy in yielding you 
precedence. 

Lady Ursula. 

Pray bring the pistols. My time is short. 

Dent. 

In this world, sir ? 

Lady Ursula. 
In the same world with Sir George. 

Dent. 

On my honour, well answered ! Given a bit of luck to-night, 
you'll live to become a wit ! 

Castleton. 
You can't mean this, Mr. Barrington ! 

Ward. 
In truth, I myself 

Lady Ursula. 

I mean it absolutely. 

Dent. 

The pistols, then ! Clifford, I believe you'll find them on the 
shelf there by the mantelpiece. [Clifford crosses, R., to mantel- 
piece, finds box containing pistols and brings it to Dent. He opens 
it and takes pistols, giving box to Clifford, who puts it on table 



r^ LADY URSULA 87 

and stands L. again. ] We turn our backs and load one of them, 
Castleton. 

Castleton. 

Lord forgive us ! [ He crosses to Dent, L. They turn and stand 
together over the pistol. J 

Sylvester. 

[ Raising his hand. ] Stop ! [ All turn towards him. ] I will 
not fight on these terms or in this manner. I have, I believe, 
proved my courage. But I have no mind either to murder this 
gentleman or to be murdered by him. [ A pause. ] 

Dent. 

Hum ! Your courage, Sir George, is doubdess beyond the need 

of vindication. But you have challenged Mr. Barrington, and he 

has chosen 

Sylvester. 

A barbarous mode of encounter. 

Dent. 

Ah, one in which your courage has not yet been proved. [ He 
smiles and looks at Ward, Devereux and Clifford, who laugh. ] 

Sylvester. 

With any gentleman here, except my friend Jack Castleton and 

Mr. Barrington, I am ready to prove it in that mode also. [ Ward, 

Devereux and Clifford grow grave. ] Shall I begin with you, 

Mr. Dent ? 

Dent. 

\_Smiling.~\ My dear Sir George, have we a quarrel? No, 
no ! And I agree that you might hesitate if Jack Castleton, your 
old friend, were in question. But Mr. Barrington has, as you 
yourself insist, grossly affronted you. Come, gentlemen, doesn't 
Sir George owe us a reason for this refusal ? 



88 1^ ADVENTURE «/ 

Ward. 

J think he does. 

Clifford. 
To offer a challenge and decline the acceptance 

Devereux. 
Oh, I say nothing. But Mr. McArthur held himself bound to 
accept, and the clubs in Dublin approved his conduct. 

Dent. 

They offered him a banquet, sir, after the event — but he de- 
clined, through a sensibility possibly excessive. 

Lady Ursula. 
Pray, gentlemen, when your discussion is ended — the pistols ! 

Sylvester. 
I will not fight thus. 

Ward. 

We await your reasons, Sir George Sylvester. 

Sylvester. 
Mr. Barrington had incensed me by his uncivil conduct, I would 
have given him a lesson in manners. But I will not fight him as 
Joicey and McArthur fought. 

Dent. 

The reason, sir ! 

Sylvester. 

Will you have the reason ? 

Dent. 

We wait for it. 

Ward. 

Yes ; we are waiting for it. 

Sylvester. 
Here it is, then. [ He looks hard at Ursula. ] In aiming at 



7^ LADY URSULA 89 

Mr. Barrington, I should aim at his sister, Lady Ursula. [ Ursula 
starts. All show surprise. ] To whom his life is as dear as her own. 

Castleton. 
Lady Ursula ? 

Sylvester. 

And I — gentlemen, we are private here — I have too deep an 

interest in that lady to suffer me to injure her. 

Castleton. 
But, George, you never saw her ! 

Sylvester. 

[ Looking at Ursula — slowly and smiling a little. ] I am not 
sure. Be that as it may — for Lady Ursula's sake I will not meet 
that gentleman in the mode that he proposes. 

Dent. 

A strange attitude, Sir George, if I may make free to observe so 

much. 

Sylvester. 

If my attitude offends you, Mr. Dent, or anyone here, I am 

ready to answer the offence. And I'll not complain if you or he 

choose Joicey and McArthur's way. There is the table ! 

Ward. 

[ Laug bing. ] On my life, I'm not for you in that fashion. 

Clifford. 
Nor I. 

Devereux. 
[ Laughing."] I'll keep myself for my wife's family. 

Ward. 

Come, let's be friends. Sir George's courage needs no proof; 
Mr. Barrington has given full evidence of his. And, seeing Sir 



9 o The ADVENTURE of 

George's mood, I think Mr. Dent must allow that he has been 
misinformed concerning Lady Ursula. 

Dent. 

Indeed, if Sir George has ceased to hate women for her sake 

Castleton. 

Why, it would seem as though her eyes looked straight, after all. 

Sylvester. 
For my part I will accept Mr. Barrington's apology, if he will 
assure me that he had good cause for his behaviour — although it 
be such that he can't give it here. 

Castleton. 
Come, Mr. Barrington, don't be behind Sir George in com- 
plaisance. 

Lady Ursula. 

In good truth, gentlemen, I had the best of reasons — but one 
I cannot give to you. 

Clifford. 

By heaven, a lady in the case ! 

Devereux. 
Ha-ha ! 

Dent. 

For a thousand pounds, now ! 

Ward. 

Confess yourself, Mr. Barrington ! 

Lady Ursula. 
[Smiling.] I must own it — a lady in the case. 

Castleton. 
I thought as much. 

Sylvester. 
I'd have sworn it ! And one that looks straight, sir ? 



The LADY URSULA 91 

Lady Ursula. 
Why, yes — at least, when a man she likes is in front of her. 

Castleton. 

And whose mouth is 

Lady Ursula. 

Well enough to speak and eat with. Beyond that I cannot tell. 

Devereux and Clifford. 
Oh, oh ! 

Dent. 

And her cheeks, sir ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Not over- red — if only they're let alone. 

Ward. 

Bumpers again ! [ He goes to table. ] Bumpers ! And in all 

friendship ! 

All. 

[ Following towards table. ] Agreed, agreed ! [ Tbey stand round 
table and Jill glasses. ] 

Castleton. 

A double toast now ! We'll drink to the ladies — Sir George's 
and Mr. Barrington's ! 

Ward. 

And if God makes Sir George and Mr. Barrington brothers-in- 
law — why, He has sent them warning by the fate of Joicey and 

McArthur ! 

Devereux. 

The toast ! And then to bed ! 

Sylvester. 
I'll give it, then. [Holds up glass. ] Here's to the beautiful 
Lady Ursula ! [ Pauses. ] 



9 2 7^ ADVENTURE «/ 

Dent. 

Go on, sir, go on. There'll be a new quarrel if you forget the 

other lady. 

Sylvester. 

[ Looking at and bowing to Ursula. ] And the lady whom in 
all the world Mr. Barrington loves best. [Tbey all raise glasses.] 

Castleton. 
[ To Ursula. ] Drink, sir, drink. 

Lady Ursula. 
I drink to both of them. [ All drink. ] 

Castleton. 
And when they meet, may they love one another ! [ Tbey set 

down glasses. ] 

Sylvester. 

I think they will. 

Lady Ursula. 
I trust so, indeed. 

Castleton. 
And now — to bed. [All except Ursula and Sylvester pre- 
pare to go. J 

Sylvester. 

[ Coming down, R.~\ If Mr. Barrington will allow me, I have 
one word for his private ear. 

Lady Ursula. 

[Starting. ] lam — I [Coming down, L. ] I am at 

your service, sir. 

Dent. 

[Turning to Ursula.] Good-night, sir. Yet, I beg you, 

practice in future a more polite mode of fighting. 

Lady Ursula. 
My fighting, sir, shall grow more polite if your speech will. 



r^ LADY URSULA 93 
Ward. 

He has you, Dent ! Let him alone ! 

Clifford. 

Aye, and you thought the mode pretty, you remember ! 

Dent. 

Faith, so I did — till Sir George proposed to try it with me. 
[All laugh. Ward takes Clifford's arm and goes off with him> 
followed by Devereux, laughing and talking. ] Good-night. [ Goes 
towards door, but pauses. Castleton goes to him and takes his arm. ] 

CA STL ETON. 

To bed, to bed. 

Dent. 

[ To Ursula. ] Practice the sword, sir — the sword. Your 
figure is made for the art. 

Lady Ursula. 

I pray heaven it be made for other purposes. 

Castleton. 
Come, Dent, will you be gone ? 

Dent. 

For a barbarous mode of resentment unduly confines freedom of 
opinion. Pray think on this. Good-night. [ He bows and goes off.~\ 

Castleton. 

Mr. Barrington, your servant. [ They bow.~\ George, you'll 
follow me presently ? 

Sylvester. 
As soon as I have said what 1 want to say to Mr. Barrington. 

Castleton. 

Good ! Till then ! \Waves his hand and goes off. Ursula 
and Sylvester face one another. A pause. Then Ursula reels a 



94 r^ ADVENTURE 5/ 

little. Sylvester springs forward to help her, but she stops him, 
makes ber way to a chair and stands resting her arm on its back. 

Lady Ursula. 

You — you have something to say to me ? 

Sylvester. 

But a word or two. From your not giving your name to these 

gentlemen, I presume that you wished your movements not to be 

known ? 

Lady Ursula. 

It is so. I wouldn't have joined them, but they forced me in. 

Sylvester. 

And from your readiness to fight in that most desperate fashion 
sooner than risk discovery, I presume that your relations with this 
lady are a profound secret ? 

Lady Ursula. 

A secret most profound, Sir George. 

Sylvester. 
Probably when you leave here you'll seek her i 

Lady Ursula. 
Her first — and then my brother. 

Sylvester. 

[ With a disappointed air. ] Ah, then, I fear you can't do me 
the service I had meant to ask of you. I regret it, sir, but I under- 
stand your position. As regards your brother, I am of the same 
mind as before. Pray present my compliments to him. Good- 
night. [ Turns away. ] 

Lady Ursula. 
Pray wait, pray wait ! What is the service you desire of me ? 



The LADY URSULA 95 

Sylvester. 

But if you seek this lady immediately, you can't perform it. 
Good-night. 

Lady Ursula. 

Sir, sir, a moment 

Sylve STER. 
For the service I would have begged of you is to seek your sister 
immediately. So Again, good-night. [ Goes up. ] 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Following bim. ] You're very hasty. [ Sylvester pauses and 
turns. ] Perhaps — perhaps I could contrive to see my sister also. 

Sylvester. 
What ? At the same time as the lady ? No, no, Mr. Barrington ! 

Lady Ursula. 

I — I — mean — on the way. Why, yes, sir, why not ? On 
*ny way to the lady. 

Sylvester. 

[ Coming down a little. ] The lady lives near your sister, then ? 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Coming down. ~\ Yes — very near — quite near. 

Sylvester. 

[ Following her down. ] You heard what I said about your sister ? 

Lady Ursula. 

About my Oh, I assure you I took it as no more than a 

device to extricate yourself from a difficulty. 

Sylvester. 
[Smiling. ] As no more than that ? 



96 The ADVENTURE of 
Lady Ursula. 

As no more, indeed. [ Laughs nervously. Sylvester laughs, 
too. ] What more could it be — if — if you haven't seen the lady ? 

Sylvester. 

f Slowly. ] True — if I haven't seen her. [ A short pause, he 
smiling, she confuse d.~\ To. return — you will carry my message 
to her ? 

Lady Ursula. 

With all my heart. What is it ? 

Sylvester. 

But do you think she will listen to it kindly ? 

Lady Ursula. 

If — if I can persuade her, sir, she will. 

Sylvester. 
Tell her, then, that if she will to-morrow again stop before my 
door, she shall be most truly welcome. 

Lady Ursula. 
I will give your message. 

Sylvester. 

[Advancing a step towards her.~\ But what will its reception 
be ? Is she of a forgiving temper ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Towards those who please her. 

Sylvester. 
Do I please her ? 

Lady Ursula. 
How — how should you — if you have never seen her ? 



r^ LADY URSULA 97 
Sylvester. 

Ah, true — if I have never seen her. But should I please her 
if she saw me ? 

Lady Ursula. 

That she shall tell you when she sees you. 

Sylvester. 

Then you think she will come ? 

Lady Ursula. 

I — I think she will. 

Sylvester. 

Yet in case she shouldn't, there is one other thing I will beg of 
you. I have something of hers 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Starting. ] You have something of hers ? 

Sylvester. 

Which I mustn't keep, because it's not by her will or gift that 
I have it. 

Lady Ursula. 

But I — I can't think what it is. 

Sylvester. 

[ Smiling. ~\ Why, how should you know what it is ? It was 
found — in my house. 

Lady Ursula. 
In your house ? 

Sylvester. 
Yes — or perhaps in the avenue. She must have dropped it, 
may be in her — her faintness, sir, or as she hurried away. But it 
is certainly hers. It has her name on it. 

Lady Ursula. 

Her name ? 



98 The ADVENTURE, &c. 

Sylvester. 

Yes, it is inscribed — Ursula. [ Taking out Ursula's hand- 
kerchief. ] Give it her and say, if she will accord me her for- 
giveness — and her favour — let her bring it herself again. Here 
it is, sir. [ Gives her the handkerchief. She takes it timidly, looks 
at him a moment and turns away in confusion. Sylvester smiles.] 
Let her bring it to me again. Good-night. [ He goes up to door, 
pauses and turns. ] Tell her, too, that she is in my thoughts. 
Good-night. [Stands looking and smiling at her a moment ; she 
does not look at him. Then he goes off. Ursula stand; a moment, 
looking at the handkerchief. J 

Lady Ursula. 

Has he guessed ? Did he know me ? " If I have not seen 

her," he said. And — what was it? "I am not sure" 

And where was this found ? I swear I didn't drop it the first 
time ! And if I dropped it the time I — the second time ! Oh, 
I can't tell. I'll get back to Edgware immediately to Frank — 
and to the lady. [ Laughs. ] The lady who lives near Lady 
Ursula — to the lady I love — the lady they toasted with — with 
the lady whom Sir George Sylvester loves. "Whom he loves." 
What was it ? "I have too deep an interest in that lady." Oh, 
I'm a fool ! It was nothing but a ruse, a device — yet he looked 

Ah, did he ? How did he look, in truth how did he look ? 

"Tell her that she is in my thoughts." Oh, I am mad with — 
with — I don't know what I am mad with, but mad I am. Did 

he know me ? Does he [ Looks at handkerchief — then 

half-laughing, half-sobbing. ] Oh ! [ Kisses handkerchief twice 
and then hides her face in it. ] 

CURTAIN 




ACT IV 

About twelve-thirty a. m. Sylvester's house as in 
Act I. At table, L. y Blimboe sits writing a 
sermon. Mills stands by table with a bunch 
of large keys in one hand and a candle in the other. 
He yawns as curtain rises. 




Blimboe. 

EAD1NG from sermon, ~\ Therefore, brothers, 
the world being full of snares and wickedness, 
it is beyond all else necessary and expedient that 
you hearken [ Mills yawns, Blimboe looks up a 
moment, then goes on~\ — that you hearken to 
the words of my text and quit yourselves like men 

Mills. 

It grows late, Mr. Blimboe. 

Blimboe. 

[ Reading.] And, dear sisters, think not that the text has no 
application to you. You also in your proper manner and — 
[ Mills yawns. Blimboe looks up — then goes on~\ — sphere of 
action can, and should, quit yourselves like men. For it is not the 
raiment that makes the man 



ioo The ADVENTURE of 
Mills. 

I have locked the door, sir. Shall you be up long yet ? 

Blimboe. 

Not long, not long. 

Mills. 

It's hard on one o'clock, sir. 

Blimboe. 

Go to bed, go to bed, Mills. Leave me to work. I must com- 
plete the revision of my sermon. Where was I ? Ah, yes. It 
is not the raiment 

Mills. 

Good-night, sir. [Going off.] The sermon don't seem tb 
send him to sleep — it will me, though, on Sunday. [ Goes off, R. j x 

Blimboe. 

It is not the raiment that makes the true man [ Lays down 

paper.] It is strange that sometimes a man's thoughts will wander 
and the mind be full of alien images. To-night my mind holds 
nothing but vanities — aye, or worse — duels — gallant gentlemen 
to fight them and — yes, alas, fair ladies to cause 'em. Yet — 
[shaking his head] — men should not fight duels nor should ladies 
cause 'em. Our natures are perverse. Come, to work ! [ Tales 
up paper. J It is the heart that makes the man, and a weak woman 

may have a heart as bold [ Lets paper drop and jumps up. ] 

So I wager — at least I do not wager — no — I — I opine has 
this Lady Ursula. I wish I had seen her, but she was in bed. 
Why, no ! She was not in bed ! She was — ah, now where was 
she ? At least she was not to be seen. Well, well ! \ Is about 
to sit down, when a loud knocking is heard off L.] A knock i Who 
is it at this time ? Can Sir George have come back ? [ Knock re- 
peated. ] Ah, and Mills has gone to bed. I must open the door 



The LADY URSULA 101 

myself. [ Takes candle from table and goes up, L. Pauses.] It 
may not be Sir George. I don't know who it may be. [ Crosses 
R. to fireplace.] At this hour there may be need of carnal 
weapons. [ Takes up a poker and, crossing to L., goes off cautiously. 
A pause. Then the noise of bolts drawn back and a cry of surprise 
from Blimboe. Enter Blimboe in amazement, followed by Dor- 
othy in agitation.] Miss — Miss Fenton ! In heaven's name, 
what brings you here ? 

Dorothy. 

[ Coming down, C. ] Oh, where, where, where is Ursula ? 

Blimboe. 

[ Putting down candle and coming L. J Lady Ursula ? Where 
is Lady Ursula ? Why, surely she's in bed ? No, I should say 
— surely she's gone to London ? 

Dorothy. 

Alas, sir, she's neither in bed, nor, so far as I know, gone to 
London. She went out — I promised to sit up and let her in. 
My aunt thought she was gone to bed with a headache. I waited 
but she didn't return. So I pretended to go to bed — and I have 
run here all alone, all the way. Surely, surely she's here, Mr. 
Blimboe ? 

Blimboe. 

Surely here ? Surely not here ! Can you suppose, madam 

Dorothy. 

Not here ! Oh, what has become of her ? 

Blimboe. 

How could she be here ? It would be 

Dorothy. 

Oh, it would be — be all that it shouldn't be, I know that well. 
But where is she ? She came here — she came here this evening. 



102 The ADVENTURE of 

Blimboe. 

[ Looks at her, goes and puts poker down on table and comes to her. ] 
Did she come here ? 

Dorothy. 

Yes, yes. It was a secret, of course, but I must tell you now. 

For I'm at my wits' end and you may be able to help me. If my 

aunt should discover her absence or — oh, if Lord Hassenden 

should return and find her absent [ Going close to him. ] 

Speak, for heaven's sake, speak, Mr. Blimboe. She may have been 

murdered. 

Blimboe. 

You say she came here ? 

Dorothy. 

Yes — yes — about eight o'clock — dressed — dressed as you are. 

Blimboe. 

[ Looking down at his clothes. ] Dressed as I am ! 

Dorothy. 

Oh, not exactly as you are, but in — in Oh, as a man, 

you know. 

Blimboe. 
As a man ! 

Dorothy. 

Pretending to be her brother Walter. 

Blimboe. 

Heavens above us ! [ Drops into a chair, L. ] 

Dorothy. 

She should have been back long ago, but I've not seen her 
since. 

Blimboe. 

As a man ! [ He sits a moment, then begins to laugh. ] It was 



The LADY URSULA 103 

she, then ! By all that's wonderful, it was she ! Oh, ha, ha! 
— and Sir George Oh, ha, ha ! 

Dorothy. 

[ Indignant.~\ You're laughing ! I declare you are. Oh, how 
can you laugh ? 

Blimboe. 

[ Suddenly grave. ] I laughing ! I laugh ! My dear lady ! 
No, no. I don't laugh. I — I deplore ! I laugh at a thing so 
unseemly as for a young lady — a young lady of rank, too — sister 
to my Lord Hassenden — to come — to come alone — to a gentle- 
man's house in — in — in what I wear — and 

Dorothy. 

Oh, I know all that, Mr. Blimboe, but 

Blimboe. 

Laugh indeed ! I'm aghast, Miss Fenton, quite aghast. 

Dorothy. 

For pity's sake, tell me — is she here, or what has become of her ? 

Blimboe. 

[ Smiling again. ] To think of it ! Oh, her air, her jaunty 
walk, her laced hat, her shoes, the turn of her 

Dorothy. 

Mr. Blimboe ! 

Blimboe. 

[" Starting.] I — I beg your pardon. Well, Miss Fenton, I 
can give you information. The gentleman you seek 

Dorothy. 

The gentleman ? 

Blimboe. 

I should say the lady — yes, the lady, Miss Fenton. The lady 



104 T be ADVENTURE of 

took his leave — her leave, I mean — very hastily, and set out 
in his — in her chaise for London about nine o'clock. 

Dorothy. 

Then she has gone to London ? 

B L I M B O E. 

Oh, yes, he's gone to London. [ Dorothy looks at him. ] She 
— she's gone to London. 

Dorothy. 

But where in London ? 

B L I M BOE. 

Oh, that I don't know. Sir George was to go with her 

Dorothy. 

Sir George with her ? Worse and worse ! 

B L I M B O E. 

But, as I was about to observe, he did not. She evaded him 
and escaped alone. He followed soon afterwards in his own chaise. 
Beyond that I know nothing. [ A pause. Dorothy stands aghast. 
Blimboe goes to table, takes up paper, looks at it a moment, and then 
reads in an absent tone."] It is not the raiment that makes the true 
man, it is the heart and [ Sits slowly L. of table. ] 

Dorothy. 

Oh, what are you talking of? And meanwhile Ursula may 

be [Shudders.] Well, I must go home. No, I daren't 

go home. I must stay here. [ Sits R. of table. Blimboe drops 
paper and looks across at her. ] 

Blimboe. 

[ Slowly. ] You must stay here, Miss Fenton ? 

Dorothy. 
Yes, till Ursula comes. 



The LADY URSULA 105 

Blimboe. 

But, my dear young lady, I apprehend — and — er — I may 
add, hope — that Lady Ursula will not come — not to-night, at 
all events. It's so — so very late. 

Dorothy. 

I must wait in case she should. Besides, I daren't face my 
aunt — nor Frank. No! I'll stay here. \_Points to paper. ] 
Oh, go on with your work. I won't interrupt you. 

Blimboe. 

But, my dear Miss Fenton 

Dorothy. 

I shall stay. Pray don't discuss it with me. I do you no harm, 
Mr. Blimboe. 

Blimboe. 

You do me no harm, certainly. But — pray excuse me — if 
— anybody came ? 

Dorothy. 

Anybody came ? [ Jumping up. ] Why, who should come ? 

Blimboe. 

If you were found here ? 

Dorothy. 

Who should find me here ? [ Goes door, R. J 

Blimboe. 

In all likelihood indeed, nobody — but I am here. 

Dorothy. 

[ Turning and looking at him. ] Oh — you ? 

Blimboe. 

And — and [ Rising and going L. ] Now I wonder how 

such a thing would present itself to the Bishop's mind ? 



lot The ADVENTURE of 
Dorothy. 

My errand is harmless. [ Advancing towards bim. ] Mr. Blim- 

boe, let who will come. I am only seeking Ursula. I would face 

all the world. 

B L I M B O E. 

Yes, yes, all the world, but — but what about the Bishop ? 

Dorothy. 

I'm afraid — let all the world \_A knock is heard off L.~\ 

A knock ! Oh, that must be Ursula ! Thank heaven ! I'll run 
and let her in. [ Runs L. Blimboe intercepts her and brings ber 
down again. ] 

Blimboe. 

It won't be Lady Ursula. She won't come back. 

DOROTH Y 

Not Ursula ! Not Ursula ! Then who is it ? I can't be seen, 
I can't be 

Blimboe. 

But you said just now 

Dorothy. 

Just now ! Oh, what does it matter what I said just now ? You 
must hide me, if it's not Ursula. See, I'll run behind that curtain 
there. If it's Ursula, I'll come out, if it's anybody else, you must 
send them away and [ Knocking repeated. ] 

Blimboe. 

But if it's Sir George himself? 

Dorothy. 

Sir George ! Oh, then you must send him to bed — or perhaps 
I'll come out and ask him where Ursula is. Won't he be surprised ? 

Blimboe. 

Undoubtedly. [ Knocking repeated. ] 



The LADY URSULA 107 
Dorothy. 

Quick, quick, or the whole house will be roused. See, here I 
am ! [ She runs back, goes behind the curtain and peeps out. Blim- 
boe stands a minute, shakes his head, takes candle and poker from the 
door and goes off, L. A pause. Dorothy looks out from curtains.] 
Who is it ? Who is it ? 

Hassenden. 

[ Speaking, off.] But I will come in, sir ! Stand aside ! 

Dorothy. 

[ Peeping out. ] Mercy, it's Frank ! Oh, if he found me here ! 
[ Hides. Enter Hassenden impetuously, followed by Blimboe. 
Hassenden is in riding-dress, and spattered with mud. ] 

Hassenden. 

[ Coming down, j Now, sir, you are a parson ? 

Blimboe. 

[Looking round nervously, then putting candle d&wn and coming 

L., still holding poker.] A clerk in holy orders, my lord, at your 

service. 

Hassenden. 

Then, sir, it ill becomes you to screen villainy, or to live in a 
house where villainy is practiced. 

Blimboe. 

Villainy ? 

Hassenden. 

Aye, sir, rank villainy. The lady may have been rash and 
indiscreet 

Blimboe. 

Indeed, since you say so 



Hassenden. 

Peace, sir ! It is worse villainy to take advantage of her inno- 
cence. I ask you, sir, where is my 



108 The ADVENTURE of 

B LI M BO E. 

[ Confused. ] Your — your betrothed, my lord ? 

Hassenden. 

My betrothed ? Now what in the devil's name has my be- 
trothed to do with the matter ? 

Blimboe. 

True, true. Of course, my lord, nothing. I — I grew con- 
fused. J — I was not in truth thinking of your betrothed. 

Hassenden. 
The deuce take your thoughts, sir ! Where is my sister ? Where 
is Lady Ursula? [ Blimboe drops into chair, L.] Aye, and where 
is your friend and patron, Sir George Sylvester ? 

Blimboe. 

[Despairingly.] I don't know, my lord — I don't know. 

Hassenden. 

There was more in that fainting fit than I knew of. [ Crosses to 
Blimboe and shakes him by the shoulder.] Listen, sir, listen. 
[Dorothy looks out in fright.] I was engaged in a quarrel with 
Sir George. I had to go to London. I came home at midnight. 
What do I find there, sir, what do I find there ? 

Blimboe. 

I don't know. I don't know even what you'll find here. 

Hassenden. 

[Looking round. Dorothy hides hastily.] Here ! No, nor 
I, either. On my return, sir, I found Miss Fenton gone to bed 
in 

Blimboe. 

Gone to bed ! Oh, dear ! Oh, dear ! 



The LADY URSULA ioo 

Hassenden. 

Gone to bed in hysterics, sir, and her aunt weeping in the hall. 
And why ? [ Dorothy looks out again. ] Because my sister had 
gone to this house at eight o'clock — and in man's clothes — so 
help me, masquerading as her brother — fc*i£g5*£te3 — in breeches, 
sir — and now at twelve — at twelve, sir — has not returned. Is 
she here, sir ? Where is she ? You're a parson, but by heaven 
I'll have the truth of you, if I have it at my sword's point. 

B L I M B O E. 

Lord have mercy on us ! 

Hassenden. 

Is she here, I say ? [ Looks round. Dorothy hides again 

hastily. J 

B LI M BOE. 

No, no ; she's not here — Lady Ursula is not here. 

Hassenden. 

Sir, I will not take your word for it. 

Blimboe. 

\_Rising.~\ My lord, you are offensive. If I were not of a 
sacred profession 

Hassenden. 

I think you're somewhat late in remembering your profession, 
sir. I know I cannot fight you, but [ he half-draws his szvord] 
you stand in my way at your peril ! [ Blimboe raises poker. ] Out 
of the way, sir ! [Dorothy looks out.'j I'll search every nook 
[ Dorothy hides again ] and cranny of the house, but I'll find her. 

Blimboe. 

Lady Ursula is not here — I swear to you, she isn't here 



noThe ADVENTURE of 

Hassenden. 

Then there's no harm done by my searching. Stand aside, sir ! 
[Blimboe edges up between Hassenden and the curtains.] Stand 
aside. By heaven, I believe you have someone here ! Answer 
me, sir ! Is anyone here ? [ Dorothy peeps out, bides, but leaves 
a portion of her skirt visible. ~\ I'll look for myself, sir. [Blimboe 
glances round, sees shirt and coughs loudly. Hassenden stares at him 
suspiciously. He looks up at ceiling. So does Hassenden. Then 
Blimboe steals a glance round. Hassenden catches him and sees 
skirt.] There, there ! [ Rushes up back. Blimboe catches hold 
of him. ] Let me go, sir, let me go ! [ Skirt vanishes. ] 

Blimboe. 

But — but it was a skirt, my lord, and Lady Ursula 

Hassenden. 

Oh, Sir George may have more resources than we know of, sir. 

You'll not let me go ? So [ Pushes Blimboe back violently, 

L. Goes up and lays hold of the curtain. ] I prefer to know the 
worst. [ He pulls back the curtain, discovering Dorothy, who has 
hidden her face in her hands and so stands.] By God ! She's 
here ! [ Falls back aghast. At this moment Sylvester appears in 
the doorway in his riding-dress and boots. Blimboe, L., leaning on 
table on which he has laid the poker. A short pause. ] 

Sylvester. 

Why — why — what's this ? The door standing open and 

[ advancing ] Lord Hassenden here ! And [ Hassenden 

bearing his voice, turns. ] And 

Hassenden. 

Yes, I, Sir George — and [Steps up to Dorothy and 

moves her hands from her face.] No, not Ursula ! Good heavens 
— Dorothy ! 



The LADY URSULA in 

B L I M B O E. 

[ Sinking into a chair. ] Oh, Lord help us now ! 

Dorothy. 

I — I — I [ Clasping her hands, j Oh, Frank, it might 

have been Ursula ! 

Hassenden. 

I admire your ingenuity in finding matter for consolation, madame. 
It might have been my sister — it is only my future wife. 

Dorothy. 

[ Running dozen to Blimboe. ] Oh, Mr. Blimboe, must we tell 
him the truth ? 

Blimboe. 

Well, madame, the circumstances are desperate. 

Hassenden. 

Sir George Sylvester, how comes that lady in your house ? 

Sylvester. 

[ Coming down, C. ] I should suggest that you ask the lady. 
[Hassenden goes down, R., impatiently.^ For myself, I should 
be glad to hear the answer to that question — and to one other. 
How come you here, my lord ? 

Hassenden. 

I came to seek my sister. 

Dorothy. 

So did I, Frank. 

Hassenden. 

[ To Dorothy.] You knew she came here, then ? 

Dorothy. 

Oh, dear ! [ Turns again to Blimboe, who takes her hand and 
fats it. ] 



iizThe ADVENTURE of 

Hassenden. 

[To Sylvester. ] And you, sir, knew that my sister came here ? 

Sylvester. 

No, my lord, I know nothing. I may have my opinion. 

Hassenden. 

And that she is here ? 

Blimboe. 

[ Starting up. ] No, no. 

Sylvester. 

Pray don't interpose, Mr. Blimboe. [ Blimboe sinks back. ] At 
last I can meet Lord Hassenden without an intermediary. [ To 
Hassenden.] The house lies open to you, my lord. Pray 
search it. You have found one lady here. You may find an- 
other. Who knows, who knows ? Ladies come even to houses 
where their presence is least looked for and in no way invited. 
You and I know that, my lord. Blimboe, pray take a candle and 
guide Lord Hassenden. That door, my lord, [pointing R.~\ gives 
access to the stairs. I beg you to search — search thoroughly. 
For all I know, the whole village may be hiding in my house. 

Hassenden. 

I will go. I do not trust you. [ Sylvester bows low. To 
Blimboe.] Come, sir. [Blimboe rises, takes candle from table. 
Hassenden motions him to precede him, and with a bow to Sylves- 
ter, follows him off, R. Sylvester crosses hastily to Dorothy.] 

Sylvester. 
Go after them. Tell him what you know ; let Blimboe tell 
what he knows. I left Lady Ursula at his own rooms in London 
about eleven o'clock. After that I know nothing. 



The LADY URSULA 113 
Dorothy. 

Oh, shall you fight, after all ? 

Sylvester. 
I don't think so 

Dorothy. 

But when he comes back 

Sylvester. 

[ Smiling. ] When he comes back, I shan't be here. If I stay 
he'll force another quarrel. Keep him ten minutes and I shall be 
beyond his reach. My horse is still at the door. 

D O ROT H Y. 

You — you'll run away ? 

Sylvester. 
Yes. Quick, after them ! Try to quiet him. Go, go. [ He 
leads her R., and she runs off. He stands looking after ber. ] I'll 
be off*. Heaven save us, what a position ! Swd help all our repu- 
tations ! [ Ursula appears in door, L., in ber own dress, and stands 
looking at him with a smile. ~] It would scarcely have been worse 
had he in very truth found Ursula. Ah, but what's become of the 
pretty madcap ? Faith, I'd love to see her ! What's become of 
her? 

Lady Ursula. 

I — I don't know what will — if — if my brother isn't here. 

Sylvester. 

[ Turning and starting. ] Lady Ursula ! 

Lady Ursula. 

Yes, yes — but pray don't shout my name so loud. \_Coming 
down. ] Oh, Sir George, Sir George, what a quiet, peaceful world 
it would be if there were no men in it ! 



u^TJbe ADVENTURE of 

Sylvester. 
Perhaps, madame. And I think there is at least, since eleven 
o'clock, one less in it ! 

Lady Ursula. 

I will deal fairly with you — I will confess nothing. 

Sylvester. 

Nay, I'll deal handsomely with you — I will assert nothing. 

Lady Ursula. 

And I will deny nothing. 

Sylvester. 

Why, then, I will question nothing. 

Lady Ursula. 

Moreover — I will remember nothing. 

Sylvester. 

To match you — I will forget nothing. 

Lady Ursula. 

You don't please me there. I wish that you should forget 

Sylvester. 

Everything ? 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Smiling. ] At least — something. 

Sylvester. 

Well — I will forget Mr. Barrington 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Courtseying. ] You are swift to divine my wishes. 

Sylvester. 

In the presence of Lady Ursula — but, on my soul, only then. 



The LADY URSULA 115 

Lady Ursula. 
And, alas, I shall not be with you often. [ Sylvester ad- 
vances a step towards ber.'] Oh, I'm forgetting my brother. Is 
he here ? 

Sylvester. 

I must confess that he's somewhere in the house. 

La dy Ursula. 

Oh, where, where ? And what is he doing ? 

Sylvester. 

To be frank — he is searching the house for you, Lady Ursula. 

Lady Ursula. 

He thinks I am here ! 

Sylvester. 

Such notions get into a young man's hot head. 

Lady Ursula. 

Is he angry ? 

Sylvester. 

Monstrously ! Did you come to seek him ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Yes, to seek him and Dorothy. 

Sylvester. 

[ Smiling. ] And for no other purpose ? 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Smiling. J Pray, is Dorothy here ? 

Sylvester. 

For no other purpose under heaven ? 

Lady Ursula. 

I — I didn't expect to find you here. 



n6The ADVENTURE of 

Sylvester. 

You would have come — and gone — and never let me know ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Yes, indeed — unless 

Sylvester. 
[ Going nearer to her. ] Unless what, Lady Ursula ? 

Lady Ursula. 

Unless I chanced again to drop my handkerchief. [ A pause. ] 

Sylvester. 

[ Low. ] Will you give it me ? Indeed, you owe it me. 

Lady Ursula. 

How does this request agree with your vow, sir ? Should he 
beg a lady's handkerchief who has sworn never to see a lady's face ? 

Sylvester. 

The oath was improvident. I own it. Yet, having sworn, I 

will observe it. 

Lady Ursula. 

You will observe it ! Why, then 



Sylvester. 
Save by the merest hair's breadth. 

Lady Ursula. 
Ah! 

Sylvester. 

For I break it by the merest hair's breadth, if [ be tomes close N 

her ] if henceforward I see only one. Give me the handkerchief. 

Lady Ursula. 
I think — I think we are forgetting my brother. 



The LADY URSULA 117 

Sylvester. 

[ Sighing. ] I think I am forgetting my flight. I was about to 
escape when you arrived. 

Lady Ursula. 

To escape ? 

Sylvester. 

From your brother's fury, unless, indeed, he is pacified by what 
he hears from Miss Fenton and from Blimboe. 

Lady Ursula. 

Surely he will be — and there will be nothing then for you to 
escape from. 

Sylvester. 

Indeed, there will then be nothing that I can, or would, escape 
from. [ Voices ^Hassenden and Blimboe off R. 

Lady Ursula. 

Ah, what's that ? Is that my brother ? 

SYL VESTE R. 
I fear it is. And he won't have found you. 

Lady Ursula. 

No — and he shan't. I'll hide ! Where shall I hide ? 

Sylvester. 

No, no, you mustn't 

Lady Ursula. 

Yes, but I will ! I wouldn't have him find me here. Where 
shall I hide ? [ Looks round. ] Ah, the curtains ! [ Runs up. 

Sylvester. 

[ Pursuing her. ] No, no — in heaven's name, not the curtains ! 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Pausing a moment. ] Why not ! 



i 1 8 The ADVENTURE of 
Sylvester. 

Because — because Miss [ Voices again just off. 

Lady Ursula. 

There's no time for anywhere else. See, I'm hidden safe ! 
[ Gets behind cur tains. ~\ 

Sylvester. 

Yes — so was Miss Dorothy. [ Turns and comes down hastily 
as Hassenden enters R., followed by Dorothy and Blimboe. They 
remain R., Hassenden comes R. C, to where Sylvester is. ] Well, 
my lord, you have searched — and not found what you sough: ? 

Hassenden. 

No, Sir George, I have not searched — and I will not search. 
I have been informed of all that has passed by Miss Fenton and 
Mr. Blimboe, and [pause~] in truth I must admit that it is you, not 
I, who have cause for complaint. 

Sylvester. 

I complain of nothing in what has passed. 

Hassenden. 

You, not I, are entided to satisfaction. 

Sylvester. 

So far as matters have gone, my lord, I am most heartily satisfied. 

Hassenden. 

I am ready to answer for my sister's fault. It is in excuse for 
her, not for myself, that I beg you to remember her youth and 
ignorance. 

Sylvester. 

In my eyes, Lady Ursula needs no defence. 

Hassenden. 

She meant to save me from a danger into which her own thought- 



The LADY URSULA 119 

lessness had brought me. However mistaken her action, I can't 
find it in my heart to be hard on her. 

Sylvester. 

It is the last thing that I should find in my own heart. May we 
then be friends, according to her wish ? 

"~"NH ASSENDEN. 
I desire nothing better. ] And after all that I have heard, it is but 
as a form that I beg the pledge of your word — your simple word 
as a gentleman 

Sylvester. 

To secrecy ? Assuredly it is yours ! 

Hassenden. 

That I am sure of. But I didn't mean that. 

Sylvester. 

What then ? I am at your service absolutely. 

Hassenden. 

Why, merely your word that my sister is not here. 

Dorothy. 

[ Coming forward."^ Yes, and then we can go and seek her. 
She must be at home by now. 

Blimboe. 

[ Coming forward.^ And so the whole matter ends. 

Hassenden. 

It is with that object that I beg the favour of Sir George's as- 
surance. 

Sylvester. 

[Embarrassed.] Ah, yes, yes. True. You ask my — merely 
my 



i2o T be ADVENTURE of 

Dorothy. 

Just your word that Ursula is not here. 

Hassenden. 

That my sister is not here. 

B L I M B O E. 

Exactly — exactly — that Lady Ursula is not here. 

Sylvester. 

Come, now, I'll explain the whole matter — the entire 
affair 

Hassenden. 

No, no. 

Sylvester. 

From — from the very beginning. It was at four o'clock 
that 

Dorothy. 

Pray do not rehearse the whole story again, Sir George. 

Hassenden. 

No need, believe me, no need ! Your mere assurance sends me 
away content. 

Dorothy. 

Indeed it is late, and we should all be abed. 

B LI M BO E. 

Aye — and I have my sermon still to finish. 

Sylvester. 

My lord — you — you do me wrong to ask the pledge of my 
word from me. [ All show surprise, Hassenden anger. 

Hassenden. 

Seeing your strange hesitation, sir, I begin to think that I do 
wrong to offer to accept it. 



The LADY URSULA 121 
Dorothy. 

£ Going to Hassenden and laying hand on bis arm. ] Frank, Frank ! 

Sylvester. 

[ Angrily.] My lord, you 

B L I M BO E. 
[] Going to Sylvester and restraining him. ] Sir George ! [ Syl- 
vester and Hassenden front one another. A pause. ] 

Hassenden. 

[ With a sneering laugh. ] We have peacemakers again, I see 

— more peacemakers. 

/Sylv ester. 

1 will not quarrel. My lord, you put me to my word. I do 

— I do not like the test : but I have ho alternative. Since you 
put me to it, I will [ Ursula peeps out. 

Hassenden. 

You'll give it ? Ah, I knew you would. I wronged you. I 
will ask no more. 

Sylvester. 

Yes, I will 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Stepping out from behind the curtains. ] No. [ All turn to 
I er and start. ] 

Hassenden. 

Ursula ! 

Dorothy. 

Heaven save us, Ursula ! 

Lady Ursula. 

I am here. I will not have this gentleman dishonour his word 
for me. [ Coming down, C. ] Frank, for me he has done every- 
thing. For me he has given up a just quarrel with you — for me 



122 T b e ADVENTURE of 

his house has been invaded — for me he has faced the contempt of 
his friends — for me his vow not to fight has been endangered, his 
vow to see no woman, broken. And for me he — he has declared 
in public, in face of ridicule, a — a feeling that he could not enter- 
tain. To shelter my good fame he has done all this. But he shall 
not dishonour his word for me. You ask him if I am here. Here 
I am. [ A pause. 

Hassenden. 

[ Slowly. ] But how did you come here — - and when ? 

Lady Ursula. 

A few moments ago. The chaise is now at the door with Quil- 
ton — question the man if you will. I heard you had come here, 
and I came to seek you. 

Hassenden. 

Seeking me ? [ Advancing towards ber. ] Is that in truth all, 
Ursula ? 

Dorothy. 

Why, for what else, Frank ? 

B LI M BO E. 

Surely for nothing else, my lord ? 

Lady Ursula. 

For nothing else, I vow ! Ah, you believe me, Frank ? 

Hassenden. 

[ Smiling. ] Why, yes, I believe you. [ Takes her bands and 

turns to Sylvester. ] And once again, I must beg forgiveness of 

Sir George. 

Sylvester. 

You, my lord, I do most heartily forgive. But it is hard for me 
to do the like for Lady Ursula. 



The LADY URSULA 123 
Lady Ursula. 

[ Feigning surprise. ] Why, what's your quarrel with me, Sir 
George ? I protest that when I left you to go behind the curtains, 
you were in the most amiable temper with me. 

Sylvester. 

My quarrel, madame, is a grave one — it is that you come for 
nothing else than — to seek your brother. 

Lady Ursula. 

[ Smiling. ] Add, then, sir, for the pleasure of your company. 

Sylvester. 

No, I am not appeased. 

Lady Ursula. 
[ Recollecting. ] Ah ! Indeed, Frank, I was wrong. There 
was another purpose. There was a trifle that Sir George asked of 
— of Mr. Barrington. 

Sylvester. 
Yes. If Lady Ursula gave me her forgiveness and her favour, I 
begged Mr. Barrington to prevail on her to bring me again her 
handkerchief. 

Hassenden. 

Her handkerchief! 

B L I M B O E. 

My lord, when Mr. Barrington came he chanced to drop his 
handkerchief. 

Dorothy. 

Yes, Frank — and his handkerchief chanced to be marked 
"Ursula." 

Lady Ursula. 

I came also to discharge that errand. But, sir, are you my 
friend now ? 



124 T^ ADVENTURE of 
Sylvester. 

I will change that name only for a better. 

Lady Ursula. 

And you are my brother's friend ? 

Sylvester. 

For your sake now, soon for his own. 

Dorothy. 

Oh, there will be no duel, then ? 

Hassenden. 

[ Laughing. ] On my soul, I do not desire one. 

Sylvester. 
Nay, but I think there has been one. 

Hassenden. 

There has ? 

Sylvester. 

Between Lady Ursula and myself. She had the choice of 

weapons and 

Hassenden. 

And she chose 

Lady Ursula. 

Those that your sex invented. Don't lay the blame on us. 

Hassenden. 

And whose was the victory ? It was not, J trust, like Joicey and 
McArthur's, a life and death encounter ? 

Sylvester. 

I may not name the stake, my lord — or you would have named 
it for me — a life and death encounter. But, at least, I am sore 
wounded. 



The LADY URSULA 125 
Dorothy. 

[Going to Ursula.] Won't you bind up his wounds for him, 
Ursula ? 

Lady Ursula. 

[Shy and laughing. ] I — I [Suddenly advances to Syl- 
vester, holding out her handkerchief. ] Yes, let him take — and 
keep this handkerchief. [ As she gives him the handkerchief, he 
seizes her hands. The others turn ataay and go up, laughing. 
Ursula and Sylvester stand a moment. ] 

Sylvester. 

You drew the loaded pistol — and I — fall. [ He kneels and 
kisses her hand. ~\ 

CURTAIN 




DEO 24. 2898 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: April 2009 

PreservationTechnologies 



